Age, breed, and initial disease did not affect outcome. Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint by use of two 5.5-mm ASIF cortical bone screws, in parallel orientation, placed in lag fashion by use of a combined aiming device, resulted in sound use of the limb in >85% of the joints with shortened postoperative coaptation.

Two hundred and thirteen bovine and 115 equine long bone fractures presented for treatment to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine were reviewed. Based on the number of patients presented, cattle had a significantly (p < 0.01) higher survival rate than horses. In horses, the third metatarsal bone was most frequently presented for fracture treatment, but in cattle, the femur was most commonly affected. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the treatment success rates when comparing the bones affected, methods of treatment used, duration between the fracture occurrence and presentation for repair, distance traveled prior to hospitalization, type of limb support during transportation, or medication given prior to hospitalization. Horses between 3 months and 2 years of age had a significantly (p < 0.05) lower survival rate than those in other age groups. Compared to open and comminuted fractures, a significantly (p < 0.01) greater number of simple fractures were selected for treatment in horses. Based on the cases presented, the survival rate of the horses with simple fractures is higher (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the survival rates of horses or cattle when simple, open, comminuted, and open plus comminuted fractures were treated. There were significantly (p < 0.001) more open fractures in horses than in cattle. Postoperative complications occurred in 49% of the horses treated, and the enthanasia rate was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in horses with complications.

Results suggest that distal tarsal OA in horses can be successfully treated by means of distal tarsal arthrodesis with a 3-drill-tract technique. Horses with advanced distal tarsal OA are likely to have poorer outcomes, and the procedure will likely be of minimal benefit in horses with concomitant causes of hind limb lameness prior to surgery and in horses with preexisting proximal intertarsal joint disease.

Summary This paper describes the major areas that require investigation in equine locomotion and outlines a plan for such research in both the Thoroughbred and Standardbred. Fifteen topics for future investigation have been selected and given an order of priority. These topics deal with characteristics of normal locomotion, factors which influence locomotion, the epidemiology and economics of lameness and the clinical identification of lameness. Résumé Cet article étudie les domaines principaux de la locomotion équine oú une recherche est nécessaire. Un plan d'investigation est esquissé tant pour le pur sang que pour le trotteur. Quinze sujets propres à une recherche future sont sélectionnés et hiérarchisés par priorité. Ces topiques concernent la locomotion normale; les facteurs qui influencent la locomotion, l'épidémiologie, les conséquences économiques des boiteries, enfin l'identification clinique des boiteries. Zusammenfassung Dieser Artikel beschreibt Gebiete, die eine weitere Erforschung der Fortbewegung des Pferdes bonötigen. Es wird ein Plan für derartige Forschungsarbeiten bei Vollblütern und amerikanischen Trabern vorgelegt. 15 Themen für eine zukünftige Bearbeitung wurden ausgewählt und in eine Prioritätsreinhenfolge eingestuft. Diese Themen umfassen Charakteristika der normalen Fortbewegung, Faktoren, die die Bewegungsabläufe beeinflussen, die Epidemiologie und wirtschaftliche Probleme von Lahmheiten und die klinische Erhebung von Lahmheit.

Salter-Harris type I fractures of the femoral capital physis were repaired in five Holstein bulls with three 7.0 mm cannulated screws placed in lag fashion. Radiographically at months 7 to 10, the fractures were healed and there was periarticular bone production on the femoral necks and the dorsal acetabular rims. Four bulls had normal gaits, and one bull had muscle atrophy and barely detectable lameness.