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Discussion on Bone chips of the radial carpal bone in 5 yo Thoroughbred
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Member:
acepal
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Posted on Sunday, Feb 18, 2007 - 4:08 pm:
Dr. O & all,
We have been given an o-t-t thoroughbred, now approx 5 yoa, with "osteochondral fragments of the radial carpal bone" in his L knee, verified by xrays. We have no idea of the age of the injury. He was pasture boarded for 6 to 8 months before we got him, and the previous owner says his knee was fine when she turned him out. Her historical accuracy is suspect. We've had him about 4 months, his lameness increases with lateral movement and cold weather. His knee is not tender to palpation, but does have a small reduction in flexion. Two vets have looked at the radiographs. One vet says the chips are "from the long standing osteoarthritis" & suggested arthrodesis of the carpal joints, the other vet had no suggestions. Might arthroscopic exam further clarify the situation? At what point is it too late to remove chips? I'm close enough to The University of Tennessee Vet center to have arthroscopy done if it would be an advantage to him, but I won't put him through it if the prognosis for helping him is not good. He's a darlin' guy, and I hate for him to live out his life in lameness. Is there hope for soundness, or should pain relief be my only goal? Opinions please!
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Feb 19, 2007 - 6:15 am:
Hello Joy,
Chip fractures of traumatic origin are common in horses with a past racing careers. What does the article say about chip fractures of the knee concerning your specific questions?
However as to how these points would apply to your specific horse would require review of the radiographs. I would be glad to give you my thoughts if you post them here but if you are considering surgery, including arthrodesis, you should have them forwarded to the University of Tennessee for review by their radiologist and orthopedic surgeons.
DrO
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