Limb deformities in foals, including contraction, laxity, and angular abnormalities, are common but treatable conditions that require early detection and timely intervention to ensure proper growth and long-term health.
By Dr. Adam
Addressing Limb Deformities Early
Limb deformities in foals typically occur as three different types: contraction, laxity, and angular. Examination of the foal at birth, one month post birth, and several times prior to one year of age will allow your veterinarian to assess and manipulate any abnormalities in a growing foal or weanling. Almost all limb deformities can be corrected if caught early enough.
Contraction Deformities
Contraction deformities occur due to a shortening or lack of stretching of the soft tissue structures. This can be noticed immediately after birth or can develop during growth if the soft tissue structures cannot keep up with the pace at which the bones are growing. Appropriate bandaging of the contracted limbs can help create tendon laxity, allowing for relaxation of the joint where the contraction is occurring. In some severe cases, full limb casts or splints and possible surgery may be needed to achieve a normal position.
Laxity
Laxity is the opposite of contraction. In a foal that has a laxity deformity, we see an over-stretching of soft tissue structures leading to the collapse of the foal's limb. Laxity deformities are usually seen immediately after birth, and if not severe, many will correct on their own. If the foal is unable to correct the laxity on their own, then special shoeing can be used to assist the foal in correction during growth.
Angular Deformities
Angular deformities are seen as changes in the direction of limbs at a specific joint. An example would be a bow-legged appearance at the carpus (knee). In this instance, the carpus will appear to be bowing out (varus deformity). The opposite deformity where the foal would appear knock-kneed (valgus deformity) will look as if both knees are bent towards each other as if they may touch. More often, angular limb deformities are seen at birth. However, uneven stress applied to the limb during growth can lead to an angle change in a foal who previously had normal limbs.
It is very important that angular limb deformities are dealt with as soon as possible. Manipulation of the growth plates will allow a veterinarian to straighten out the limb, but once the growth plate is closed, the angular deformity will no longer be able to be corrected. Manipulation of the fetlock joint can only be performed from birth to three months of age, and manipulation of the carpus and hock have a window from birth to one year. Special shoes can be applied to cause increased pressure on certain growth plates, leading to a correction of the deformity. In severe cases, surgical intervention is needed. A screw can be placed through a growth plate to stop growth in one location and allow for the opposite side to catch up, leading to a correction of the inappropriate angle.
Regardless of the type of limb deformity present, the sooner the correction, the better the outcome. It is very important to have a foal's limbs evaluated as soon as possible and to not wait for a problem to occur as it may be too late.
Do you have a foal with signs of limb deformities or other issues? Contact Great Lakes Equine right away to request an appointment with our Hortonville equine vets.
