How to Treat a Foal With Deformed Legs

There are five main types of angular limb deformity that can occur in a foal. This includes poor conformation, immature knee or hock bones, joint laxity, imbalance in growth at the growth line, or a trauma occurring to the growth plate. These defects cause uneven stress to joints and bones at the growth plate, which causes the stressed area to grow unevenly. Unless timely intervention occurs, the uneven growth will continue causing an angular deformity on one side of the leg. Soon the deformity will become more pronounced and become untreatable.

Things You'll Need

  • Veterinarian possibly an Orthopedic Specialist
  • Farrier
  • Support bandage
  • Leg braces
  • Heel extensions
  • Stick-on shoes
  • Orthopedic braces
  • Surgery
  • X-rays
  • Analgesics
  • Oxytetracycline
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Instructions

    • 1

      Call a farrier skilled in corrective trimming. Changing the balance of the hooves can correct limb growth. Trim the outside of the hoof when the foot is placed outward with a valgus deformity. Trim the medial wall and heel when the foot is turned inward to correct it. Place stick-on shoes on a foal that does not respond to trimming alone.

    • 2

      Bandage limbs lightly that are hitting the ground to offer protection from injury. Don't use heavy bandages. Have x-rays to pinpoint abnormalities and to help decide the treatment.

    • 3

      Use a controlled exercise program suggested by your veterinarian to naturally stretch tendons. Use analgesics to encourage participation if the foal seems to be in pain. Treat limbs with oxytetracycline inside a bandage wrapped around the defective area to help relax muscles as well. Treatment should begin within days of birth for best prognosis.

    • 4

      Place splints or casts on a premature foal with immature cuboidal bones until the bones solidify.

    • 5

      Operate within four weeks of birth to correct severe deviation. Consult a veterinarian experienced in angular limb deformity who can insert an orthopedic implant to bridge the growth plate. An experienced orthopedic can also cut and lift the fibrous periosteal bone covering to speed growth on the short side. Whatever choice you make must be completed during the first 3 to 4 months of life when bone growth is rapid. Straightening the legs will not be sufficient after this.