Check Ligament Surgery for Club Feet

Researchers followed up on 13 adult horses (median age of 5 years) that had been treated for flexural deformity of the coffin joint (club foot) by cutting the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (inferior check ligament desmotomy). Researchers questioned owners, conducted a lameness exam and obtaining follow-up radiographs to assess hoof conformation 1 year after the surgery.

Prior to treatment, all of the horses showed lameness isolated to the foot by diagnostic nerve blocks. At follow-up, 70% of the horses showed improvement in lameness grades with almost 40% showing no lameness. There was improvement in the dorsal hoof wall angle, better alignment of the coffin bone with the dorsal hoof wall and improved alignment of the coffin bone with the pastern. Most of the horses (77%) were performing at their intended level of athletic use.

Because similar success with this treatment was reported almost 40 years ago, it remains a good option for treating club feet in adult horses with less postoperative pain, better postoperative appearance and improved return to function compared with deep digital flexor tenotomy.

— Tracey A and McClure SR. EVE 2018;30:53-56

Barrel Racing Behavior

In Thoroughbred track racing, research has shown that increased use of a whip by the jockey is not associated with faster times or improved finish position. To see whether a similar dynamic also applies to barrel racing, researchers videotaped and scored 66 horse and youth rider teams during a typical cloverleaf barrel racing…