ANGULAR LIMB DEVIATION - Equinovet角偏差equinovet肢体.docVIP

ANGULAR LIMB DEVIATION Overview Angular limb deviation (ALD) is seen most commonly in young foals and is defined as a deviation from the normal axis of the limb in the frontal plane1-3.? It can be described as the appearance of the foal as observed from the front or rear.? There are two general terms used to describe the deviation.? Valgus refers to a lateral (outward) deviation of the limb distal to, or below, the point of the deformity (Figure 1).? Varus refers to medial (inward) deviation of the limb distal to the point of the deformity (Figure 2).? The most common deviation seen in young foals is lateral deviation which originates at the level of the carpus (knee), known as carpus valgus (Figure 1). Figure 1.? Foal with a valgus deviation at the level of the carpus. Figure 2.? Foal with a varus deviation at the level of the fetlock. Causes ALD can be caused by perinatal factors such as premature birth, twin pregnancy, placentitis, perinatal soft tissue trauma and flaccidity of the soft tissue structures surrounding the joints1-3.? These factors can potentially lead to improper development of the small bones, known as cuboidal bones, found within the knee and/or hocks (tarsus), and/or flaccidity (laxity) of the joints.? Normally, most foals will be born with some degree of limb deviation, mostly due to ligament laxity and muscle weakness which usually will correct itself as the foal exercises.? However if the cuboidal bones are not fully ossified (Figure 3), they run the risk of being crushed from exercise and the uneven load that is placed on the joint due to the laxity.? Once ossification occurs, an ALD will result due to the abnormally shaped cuboidal bones. Figure 3a. Incomplete ossification of the cuboidal bones of the carpus. Figure 3b. Incomplete ossification of the cuboidal bones of the tarsus. In addition, developmental factors such as unbalanced nutrition, and excessive exercise and/or trauma can result in ALD in older foals1-3.? Feeding foals