AAEP Annual Convention Salt Lake City 2014
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Detection of Fractures of the Palmar Processes of the Distal Phalanx in Young Foals

Author(s):

B. Faramarzi, H. Dobson

In: AAEP Annual Convention - Salt Lake City, 2014 by American Association of Equine Practitioners
Updated:
DEC 10, 2014
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Without oblique radiographs 35% of palmar process fractures in foals will be missed. Authors’ address: Western University of Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, 309 E. 2nd St., Pomona, CA 91766; e-mail: bfaramarzi@westernu.edu.

1. Introduction

Cross-sectional imaging and histopathology has confirmed a high incidence of palmar process (PP) fractures in foals. Obtaining good quality radiographs of foal hooves under field conditions is challenging. The availability of digital radiography has improved radiographic quality.

2. Materials and Methods

The forefeet of nineteen 6- to 8-month-old foals were radiographed under field condition using a standard portable x-ray machine and a digital image acquisition system. Lateral, horizontal beam dorso-planar, and three oblique projections were made of each foot.

3. Results

Ten of nineteen foals were diagnosed with at least one fracture. Three foals had one or more fractures in each foot. Four foals had fractures of both the medial and lateral PP. If only the lateral and dorso-planar projections were evaluated, only 65% of the fractures were identified. The remaining 35% were identified only on one or more of the dorso60°proximal-palmarodistal oblique (Dr60Pr-PaDiO) and the two complex oblique projections. 

4. Discussion

Fractures were identified in 53% of the subjects. Digital radiography has significantly improved radiographic quality in equine ambulatory practice, allowing immediate review of the images so that positioning abnormalities can be corrected and suspicious areas can be re-evaluated as necessary. Using the proper diagnostic technique and good quality radiographs are critical in diagnosing PP fractures in foals since clinical signs can be easily missed. It has been reported that PP fractures may be associated with conformational abnormalities such as a club-footed conformation; however, the assessment of the long-term effects of PP fractures warrant further research.

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by Western University of Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine.

Conflict of Interest

The Authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Affiliation of the authors at the time of publication

Western University of Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, 309 E. 2nd St., Pomona, CA 91766, USA

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