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  Discussion on Research Study: Cannon Bone Fracture Outcomes
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Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 19, 2009 - 4:09 am:

Cannon bone fractures are a therapeutic challenge in the adult full sized horse which continue to have a poor prognosis. The good news is that foals and smaller horses that do not have infection present have a much better chance of success. For more see the article Overview Of Cannon Lameness.
DrO

Equine Vet J. 2009 May;41(5):465-73.
Surgical management of complete diaphyseal third metacarpal and metatarsal bone fractures: clinical outcome in 10 mature horses and 11 foals.

Bischofberger AS, Fürst A, Auer J, Lischer C.

University Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Camden, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Osteosynthesis of third metacarpal (McIII) and third metatarsal (MtIII) bone fractures in horses is a surgical challenge and complications surrounding the repair are common. Retrospective studies evaluating surgical repair, complications and outcome are necessary to increase knowledge and improve success of long bone fracture repair in the horse. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate clinical findings, surgical repair, post operative complications and outcome of 10 mature horses and 11 foals with McIII or MtIII fractures that were treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). METHODS: Medical records were reviewed and follow-up information obtained by means of radiographs and/or telephone questionnaire. RESULTS: Survival was achieved in 62% of the horses (3 mature/10 foals). On long-term evaluation (> 6 months) 11 horses (2 mature/9 foals) were fit for their intended activity, one mature horse had a chronic low grade lameness, and one foal was lost to follow-up because it was sold. The main fracture types were simple transverse (333%) or simple oblique (28.6%) and 71.4% of the fractures were open, 3 Type I (one mature/2 foals) and 12 type II (7 mature/5 foals). The preoperative assessment revealed inadequate emergency treatment in 10 horses (5 mature/5 foals; 47.6%). Survival rate of horses with open fractures was 12.5% (1/8) in mature and 85.7% (6/7) in foals. Post operative incisional infection (4 mature, 3 foals) was only managed successfully in 2 foals. Fracture instability related to inadequate fracture fixation technique occurred in 4 horses (all mature) and was always associated with unsuccessful outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Age, bodyweight and infection are strongly associated with outcome in treatment of complete McIII/MtIII fractures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Rigid fixation using plates and screws can be successful in treatment of closed or open, complete diaphyseal McIII/MtIII fractures in mature horses and foals. Instable fixation, infection and a bodyweight > 320 kg (700 lbs) are major risk factors for unsuccessful outcome.
Member:
sodmonst

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 19, 2009 - 6:29 am:

Is it possible for a horse to have a non displaced fracture and heal? I've often wondered about an experience I had.

I bought a 3 year old whose owners said that he had a cannon bone fracture the year before. He did have a thickening midway between joints, and since he was a "steal" and showed no lameness, we took a chance and took him home that day. I figured that they just didn't know what they were talking about (I know, pretty arrogant of me), but he was a very well bred Missouri Foxtrotter, $600, and had a nice temperament.

Anyway, the last time I saw him, (he was 17yo and around 16 hands); he belonged to a local rancher who said that he was the most useful horse he owned, and one he'd never sell. "He'll go anywhere I point him and keep his footing!
I can rope a thousand pound steer and he'll hold him, I'd NEVER sell THAT horse!"
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 19, 2009 - 3:13 pm:

It may have been an incomplete (greenstick) or saucer fracture Susie. While there are some bones that can have complete nondisplaced fractures that heal, the cannon receives so much force over such a small area any complete fracture will displace.
DrO
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