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  Discussion on Limb Surgery
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Posted on Tuesday, Nov 7, 2000 - 9:35 pm:

I have a 9 mo old foal that has been diagnosed with an acquired uneven growth of the Physis. In particular, Tarsus Valgus. This started at about 6 months. Surgery has been recommend at this point since the angles have gotten worse instead of correcting themselves. Just want to know if any out there has a foal that has gone through corrective surgery and what the final result was after all was said and done?

Thanks
Kathy

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 8, 2000 - 10:02 am:

Hello Kathy,
Your outcome depends on the measured degree of deformity and which particular surgery is being contemplated and whether there are any concurrent diseases or complications. See the article for comments on this.
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 8, 2000 - 10:53 am:

Hi DrO:

I have been told by my vet that the end of the Tibia's inside growth plate has a marked thickness difference between that of the outside plate. He is contacting about 5 different surgeons at this point to get their opinions and options. We will take it from there once we decide which way to go.

Posted on Monday, Dec 4, 2000 - 11:00 am:

Hi Dr. O:

A follow up on my gelding. My vet sent his Xrays to 5 different surgeons at differnt clinics of which 4 had answered him back. Each surgeon agreed that a staple needed to placed in the growth plate. I spoke to one of the surgeon's at the closest Equine Hospital as did my vet. Now here's the interesting part! When I got to the hospital I saw another Surgeon who has not, until that day, been involved in this case. He is the head surgeon and clinic owner. The colt was X-rayed by him and his advice was to take him home and turn him out. I loaded the colt,went home and called my vet to give him the report. My Doc, needless to say, was not overly thrilled with the decision that Surgeon had made and made that point perfectly clear to me! My vet and I thought both thought I would be seeing the Surgeon he and I had both spoke with on the phone. (I think he may have been at the convention.) My Doc think's this surgeon is too conservative and apparently has had differing views with him in the past. Sounds like they don't get along, huh? My Doc is now calling the vet he origonaly spoke to, although he works for the clinic owner and is afraid he won't overstep that authority. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on the time that is left to intervene in this limb angulation. To say the very least, I am getting irritated at this whole situation but want to to what is right for the horse. Any advice on how to gracefully handle this situation for me, the poor little horse owner?

Thanks for your time!

Kathy

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 5, 2000 - 6:33 am:

If they will not do what your veterinarian thinks needs to be done, I would contact another hospital.
DrO
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