A Case of Congenital Flexor Deformities of the Thoracic Limbs in a 3-Year-Old Horse

Abstract

The subject of this study is a 3-year-old horse with a contractual flexor deformity of both thoracic limbs with a predominance of the left limb. Infrared thermography was conducted, and the radiographs regarding the musculoskeletal system assessment were reviewed. Congenital flexural limb deformities are a well-known group of developmental orthopedic diseases that can be effectively treated if diagnosed early. Our study aims to evaluate the degree of permanent changes in a patient not promptly treated and to compare thermography results to x-ray findings. The radiograph analysis revealed extensive pathological changes in both the passive and active locomotor systems. Thermography also showed some changes but was unable to predict whether the affected limbs would be able to recover.