Very Common
Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Fracture of Femur & 3rd Trochanter Fracture
Summary
The femur is the upper hind limb bone, between the stifle joint and the hip joint. Fracture of this bone is rare because of the massive amount of muscle covering that protects this area. This fracture tends to occur when a horse falls on its side, and is more commonly seen in foals.
The third trochanter is a bony outgrowth of the femur, upon which gluteal muscles insert. It too, can be fractured off in a fall or major impact. This particular fracture carries a much better prognosis than a fracture of the whole femur.
Radiography is a limited diagnostic tool due to the massive musculature in this area in adult horses. Ultrasound can be used to identify a fracture in some cases.
The third trochanter is a bony outgrowth of the femur, upon which gluteal muscles insert. It too, can be fractured off in a fall or major impact. This particular fracture carries a much better prognosis than a fracture of the whole femur.
Radiography is a limited diagnostic tool due to the massive musculature in this area in adult horses. Ultrasound can be used to identify a fracture in some cases.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Prognosis depends upon the specific nature of the fracture, and the degree of displacement once healed.Foals with non-displaced fractures may do well either with box stall rest or surgery.
Fractures of the third trochanter have a good prognosis with time and rest.
For full fractures of the femur, the prognosis is poor for return to athletic soundness. Generally, the larger the horse, the poorer the prospects for repair.
my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
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Lameness, Severe, Cannot Support Weight on Limb
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Swelling of Upper Hind Limb or Leg
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Reluctant to Move, Walk. Not Under Saddle
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Lameness, Recent Hind Limb
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Abrasion or Scrape on Upper Limb or Leg
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Lameness, Immediately Following Trauma or Accident
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Abnormal Foot or Limb Placement, at Rest
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Cracking, Popping or Crunching when Limb Moved
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Skin Feels Warm or Hot, Heat in a Local Area
Less Common
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Related References:
Bertoni L, Seignour M, de Mira MC, et.al. Fractures of the third trochanter in horses: 8 cases (2000-2012) J Am Vet Med Assoc 2013: 243(2):261-66.
Higgins AJ, Snyder JR eds. The Equine Manual. 2nd Ed. Edinburgh: Elsevier Saunders 2006.