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Spring 2002
Maggie - Bilateral thoracic laminitis (founder)
"Maggie" is a 23-year-old Arab/Quarter Horse mare that developed acute severe bilateral thoracic laminitis (founder) during the fall of 1998. A complete loss of laminar integrity resulted in severe rotation and sinking of the right thoracic (RF) third phalanx (coffin bone). The bone was visible through the sole of Maggie’s foot at the time she first presented to The Atlanta Equine Clinic in December of that year.
Initial treatment
included bilateral deep digital flexor (DDF) tenotomies and hoof wall resections in an attempt to reestablish laminar integrity and improve comfort. However, the severity and duration of RF coffin bone rotation resulted in fibrosis (scarring) of associated soft tissue structures and permanent deformation of the distal thoracic limb. Nevertheless, Maggie’s comfort was dramatically improved and she became mobile once again. |
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The abnormal position of her coffin bone relative to the ground surface, however, eventually resulted in pressure resorption of the solar margin (tip) of the bone (see radiograph). This in turn resulted in weakening of the bone and eventual fracture. The RF foot was literally split into two separate halves. Maggie underwent several surgical procedures to treat the fracture, associated osteomyelitis, and persistent contraction of associated soft tissues.
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Three years later
Maggie is getting around as if she never had a problem. Although RF distal limb deformation persists, Maggie does not seem at all bothered by it. She stays very active in her 40’ x 40’ paddock and attached stall area.
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