Clinico-radiographic Studies on The Prevalent Distal Limb Affections in Working Equine at Luxor City

Abstract

To illustrate the clinical and radiographic findings of some distal limbs affections in Ninety two animals (24 horses and 68 donkeys) which were admitted to Animal Care Hospital in Luxor. Each animal was subjected to thorough clinical and radiographic examination; the grade of lameness was recorded and the best radiographic views were taken.  Fifteen types of distal limb affections were evident. The most prevalent affections in donkeys were high and low ring bone (29.35%) and hoof abscess ( 9.78%) followed by traumatic arthritis of the fetlock (6.52%), suspensory ligament desmitis (5.43%), fracture of first phalanx (5.43%), fracture of PII (4.35%), side bone (3.26%)  whereas, fracture of metacarpal bone (1.09%), sesamoditis (1.09%) and flexural deformities (1.09%)  represented the lowest prevalent affections.On the other hand, side bone (4.35%), fracture of the metacarpal bone (4.35%) represented the most prevalent affections in horses followed by high and low ring bone (3.26%), fractures of PI (2.17%), PII (2.17%), subluxation of coronopedal joint (2.17%) and punctured wounds in of the hoof (2.17%), traumatic arthritis of the fetlock joint (2.17%). Whereas, navicular disease (1.09%), suspensory ligament desmitis (1.09%) and hoof abscess (1.09%) were the lowest prevalent affections in horses. Treatment was not recommended in certain cases. In conclusion, although the wide stride progress have made in diagnostic imaging in recent decades, the x ray still offers a satisfactory tool for diagnostic imaging in equine limb practice that is useful for equine practitioners.