Palmar Process Fractures in Foals: A Prospective Radiographic Survey of the Incidence and Duration of Fractures on a Virginia Farm

1. Introduction
Palmar process fractures have previously been shown in foals. The incidence has been reported as 19–80% of foals on specific farms. Lameness is variable, and many foals appear normal.

2. Materials and Methods
Digital radiographs were taken of 20 Warmblood foals born in 2008 on a Virginia farm at 1 wk of age. Additional radiographs were taken at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 12 mo of age. A dorso-palmar, latero-medial, and 60° dorso-palmar radiograph of both front feet were obtained. Radiographs were evaluated by three clinicians, and a consensus opinion was used to diagnose fractures. Four foals were sold, and therefore, there was no follow-up after their 4-mo series.

3. Results
All 20 foals had evidence of at least one palmarprocess fracture on radiographs. These involved either the medial and/or lateral palmar processes of one or both front feet and included both large and small fragmentations. The fractures were most evident on 60° dorso-palmar views followed by dorsopalmar and latero-medial views. Most foals were not clinically lame when diagnosed with a fracture. [...]