Flexural Deformities in Young Horses

1) Hyperextension of the distal limb

This is usually the result of flexor tendon laxity in newborn dysmature foals. Although weakened flexor tendons will usually strengthen quite rapidly, damage to the heels or even the palmar/plantar aspect of the fetlock may occur, in moderate or severe cases, as the result of abrasion with the ground. Whilst a very light bandage around the area is a sensible precaution, heavier support will result in greater tendinous laxity. Therefore in moderate or severe cases more effective support may be provided using a shoe with a heel extension.
This can be in the form of a glue-on shoe with extended branches or more typically by attaching an aluminium palmar/plantar extension with acrylic to the hoof; aluminium being preferred because of its strength.

2) Carpal contracture

This is usually seen in newborn foals and should be differentiated from carpal instability caused by carpal bone immaturity. In the latter situation a radiological assessment will confirm the clinical suspicion and then protective limb splints or a tube cast may be applied.
Foals with carpal contracture (barring the most severe cases where it is not possible to extend the carpus even by force) usually respond to a controlled exercise programme involving restricted access to a nursery paddock. The foot position in these cases is always normal and there is therefore no benefit in dressing the feet other than would be done for a normal foal.
Surgical section of the tendons inserting on to the accessory carpal bone (flexor carpi ulnaris and ulnaris lateralis) is unnecessary except in the most severe cases. In such cases it may also be necessary to incise the palmar carpal fibrocartilge to effect release.  [...]