A month in a horse’s life: healing process of a fractured third metatarsal bone from medieval Viljandi, Estonia

Abstract

The remains of a horse's hind foot - a third metatarsal bone and three phalanges - were found in a presumed waste pit of a prosperous medieval household in Viljandi, Estonia, dated from the second half of the 13 to the beginning of the 15 century. The metatarsal bone had been broken during the horse's lifetime and showed evidence of partial healing. Using archaeological, zooarchaeological, morphological, microscopic, densitometric and radiographic analyses, we investigated the bones and the healing process in order to understand animal treatment in a medieval urban context. Our results show that the fracture was a complete comminuted fracture that appears to have been closed and stable, caused most probably by a trauma from a strong impact. Based on callus formation and the worn edges of the separated diaphysis, the horse had survived for at least a month and used the injured foot to some extent. We suggest that the horse was treated by splinting the foot and keeping the animal in a standing position during the healing process. Eventually the horse died because of a wound infection, or was killed. The relatively long period of careful treatment indicates the animal's economic or emotional value.

Severe traumatic lesions in the Late Neolithic cattle from the site of At‐Vršac, Serbia

“…This second type of trauma is also called a pathological fracture. Without medical intervention, such fractures posed a severe problem for the survival of affected individuals (Baker & Brothwell, 1980; Bartosiewicz, 2008a, 2008b, 2016; Bendrey, 2014; Craig et al, 2016; Grimm, 2008; Marković et al, 2014; Rannamäe et al, 2019; Van Neer & Udrescu, 2015). The development of a bony callus stabilizes the fracture and begins in the days after trauma.…”

“…Bone fractures are commonly reported in the paleopathological and veterinary medicine literature (Baker & Brothwell, 1980;Bartosiewicz & Gál, 2013;Craig et al, 2016). There are two main (Baker & Brothwell, 1980;Bartosiewicz, 2008aBartosiewicz, , 2008bBartosiewicz, , 2016Bendrey, 2014;Craig et al, 2016;Grimm, 2008;Markovi c et al, 2014;Rannamäe et al, 2019;Van Neer & Udrescu, 2015). The development of a bony callus stabilizes the fracture and begins in the days after trauma.…”

“…Traumatic lesions were one of the most frequent and serious pathological conditions for past animal populations, with a high risk of complications during the recovery process and they could even lead to the death of an individual. Studying this type of lesions provides insights into possible causes of accidents, abuse, working exploitation injury, and care and treatment in cases of domestic animals (Baker & Brothwell, 1980; Bartosiewicz, 2008a; Bartosiewicz & Gál, 2013; Bendrey, 2014; Grimm, 2008; Groot, 2008; Marković et al, 2014, 2018; Onar et al, 2012; Rannamäe et al, 2019; Rothschild & Martin, 2006; Udrescu & Van Neer, 2005; Van Neer & Udrescu, 2015).…”

“…Studying this type of lesions provides insights into possible causes of accidents, abuse, working exploitation injury, and care and treatment in cases of domestic animals (Baker & Brothwell, 1980;Bartosiewicz, 2008a;Bartosiewicz & Gál, 2013;Bendrey, 2014;Grimm, 2008;Groot, 2008;Markovi c et al, 2014Markovi c et al, , 2018Onar et al, 2012;Rannamäe et al, 2019;Rothschild & Martin, 2006;Udrescu & Van Neer, 2005;Van Neer & Udrescu, 2015).…”