Farriery for the Young Horse - Mediolateral Limb Deformities

This type shows a clear angulation along a mediolateral plane in the limb. ALD usually occurs at the physes (growth plates). It arises because one side of the growth plate is growing faster than the other. Occasionally it occurs due to collapsing of carpal/tarsal bones. Without the benefit of radiographic proof to locate the exact growth plate, ALD is described by joint and type, e.g. carpal valgus, fetlock varus. It is quite normal for there to be some slight carpal valgus in foals up the age of weaning. In the case of carpal valgus, this can be seen at the walk and standing. Eyelining will confirm that the lower leg is in alignment and therefore the deformity must be at the carpus or above […]