No abstract

Sagittal fractures are the most common injury of the proximal phalanx in horses. Choosing the optimal treatment tactics allows you to eliminate the physiological consequences of injury. The aim of this work was to compare the effectiveness of traditional and surgical methods of treatment of horses with short incomplete sagittal fractures of the putus bone. Thus, the study included horses (n=20) with short incomplete sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx, which were then divided into two groups. In the first group (n=10), treatment was based on the application of a plaster cast, changing every 14 days. Osteosynthesis by screw fixation was performed in the second experimental group (n=10). Clinical and radiological research methods were used in the work. Complete radiographic healing was confirmed in 100% of animals in the second group, where osteosynthesis was performed by screw fixation, they returned to full athletic load without complications. However, in the first group of horses to which a plaster cast was applied, only 72.7% of animals and 27.3% of horses completely recovered their athletic qualities due to the development of complications, in the form of osteoarthritis changes, were excluded from sports. The proposed method of treating fractures in horses of the second group using the screw fixation method increases the possibility of animals returning to their previous loads. The rehabilitation technique developed and implemented in the clinic expands the possibilities of use in practical veterinary medicine.

At present, the issue of the prevalence of fractures of the proximal phalanx among horses in the territory of the Russian Federation is insufficiently covered. This article analyzes statistical data on the incidence of this type of fracture, the information was collected based on the analysis of information from the database of the veterinary clinic "Maxima Vet". X-ray examination was used to diagnose and classify fractures. On the basis of its results, the method of treatment was determined. All horses (36 animals) described in the article underwent surgical treatment (osteosynthesis by screw fixation).The results of the work indicate that there is a tendency for an annual increase in the number of visits to the clinic with fractures of the proximal phalanx, which may be associated with increased customer confidence, the spread of errors in keeping and training horses, an increase in the level of provision of animal owners, etc. In this case, the most common are short and long incomplete long pastern bone fractures (44.4% of all types), in which, however, animals have the most favorable prognosis.