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  Discussion on Lameness in 3 month old- X rays
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New Member:
pinehurs

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 15, 2008 - 7:52 pm:

Our 3 month old filly has been lame behind for a few weeks.

My immediate concern was joint ill, as she has also had goopy eyes, swollen glands, on/off diarrhea and an infrequent cough for the entirety of these past 3 months. (has been dewormed, psyllium, not on any grain other than what Mom will let her sneak (which is next to nothing), etc. no changes). She does not have a fever. Our vet(s) keep saying just to keep an eye on her and it should clear up eventually on its own, but having so much invested in her & being a show horse facility, I was dissatisfied with that advice. Upon pushing, we had a vet pull blood, white counts were low. We did a course of SMZs a month ago, with no noted response.

3 weeks ago slight lameness behind surfaced. She has grown at a fast rate (12hh at 12 weeks old; out of a 17.3h mare). Started out with loose tendonds, now in the back she is upright. Now looking to be toed in on the left hind. Lameness has gotten worse to where it can even be slightly be seen short behind at the walk; noticeably limping at the trot. There has never been heat, swelling, pulse in that area.

4 days ago she developed a large lump on her cheek as well. Larger than a golf ball, very firm to the touch. Started as a small swelling, grew over the 4 days. Looks like an abcess, No heat. Dose of banamine brought the swelling down, without it swelled back up. Vet says just to keep an eye on it.

It seems no vets in our area are willing or experienced in working with one this young...and the one that is, is on extended vacation over the summer.

We finally had a lameness vet who said she would come out to have a look at the legs, but it was clear (and by her own admission) that she does not work with young horses. She took several x-rays, but after doing so, said she was not familiar with what exactly she was seeing or looking for in a horse of this young age, or what was normal/abnormal.

She thought perhaps she might have some epiphysitis, but was uncertain, and uncertain whether that would even cause this lameness, and of what treatment options we could pursue if that was the case.

I have a copy of the films she took. Dr.O, can you have a look??
Any other suggestions on treatment based on the other symptoms?
We are beyond frustrated at lack of forthcoming information...

Thanks in advance!!
New Member:
pinehurs

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 15, 2008 - 8:08 pm:

X-rays Here
Left Hind 1

Left Hind 2

Left Hind 3

Left Hind 4

Left Hind 5

Right Hind 1

Right Hind 2
Member:
pinehurs

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 15, 2008 - 9:53 pm:

Link to photos of the foal (conformation, etc.):
https://good-times.webshots.com/album/563052474pXyPOm?start=84
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 16, 2008 - 5:34 pm:

Hello Pinehurst,
Yes I would say the distal metatarsal physis looks more irregular and more importantly the lipping so prominent in the first image is characteristic of physitis or more accurately physeal dysplasia. However that does not mean this is the source of the lameness. Why did the vet radiograph the fetlock and what evidence do you have this is where the pain is originating from? To read more about this condition see, Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Joint, Bone, Ligament Diseases » Epiphysitis, Physitis, and Physeal Dysplasia.
DrO
Member:
pinehurs

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 16, 2008 - 6:12 pm:

Hi Dr.O!
Thank you so much for having a look.
There is no heat or swelling anywhere in the left hind (where we are seeing lameness), and the filly does not seem sensitive to palpation anywhere in the leg.
The vet just took a guess at where to begin with radiographs based upon the hoof being more toed in, and the shape of the ankle. She stopped when she saw the physitis, as she felt this may be the reason for the lameness. I read through the article you mentioned.
What would you suggest we do from here?
Lameness is significant.
Thanks again,
Christina
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Jul 17, 2008 - 6:58 am:

I would use the veterinarian's working hypothesis for current treatment while quickly seeking a second opinion on this. Our ideas on treatment are in the article but should be run by your veterinarian and farrier for any further adjustment.
DrO
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