Fractured Navicular Bone

HISTORY

3 year old standardbred trotter with a three month history of subtle forelimb (1/5) lameness and making breaks at speed. After a training session the horse became acutely lame (4+/5). Was only slightly sensitive to hoof testers; but became 100% sound on the abaxial nerve block. Radiographs were taken of the left front foot.

DIAGNOSIS:

Coffin bone appeared normal. Navicular bone was fractured in approximately four pieces. The larger lateral fragment was displaced proximally.

TREATMENT:

A paten bar shoe that raised the anterior hoof wall to just below vertical was applied. The purpose was to eliminate all distracting forces on the fragments by the deep digital flexor tendon. The shoe also was made with quarter clips to keep it from sliding back on the foot. A full leather pad with a lot of hoof packing was also applied to try to minimize the contracture of the foot. At four to six week intervals the foot was trimmed and the bar was lowered approximately 30 to 40%. After each shoeing the horse was placed on two grams of bute daily to alleviate the pain and inflammation caused by the tearing of adhesions from lowering the foot. This regimen was followed until the foot was lowered back to a normal hoof angle. During this time the horse had strict stall rest.

OUTCOME:

At this time the horse is 100% sound in front and is back in training. He is about three weeks away from being able to qualify.

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