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 Olecranon of Elbow
Synonyms: Ulnar Fracture
Summary
This is a particularly common injury in foals and young horses that fall on their side or are kicked in the elbow. The mechanics of weight bearing in the front limb involve contraction of the triceps muscle holding the elbow in extension. When the point of the elbow (olecranon or funny bone) breaks off, this function is lost and the horse cannot bear weight. These horses assume a "dropped elbow" stance. There is usually severe swelling of the upper limb and a non weight-bearing lameness.
Veterinary diagnosis is made through x-ray and to a lesser extent, ultrasound.
Treatment is usually surgical. Usually a bone plate is used to reattach the fractured off point of the elbow to the parent bone.
Veterinary diagnosis is made through x-ray and to a lesser extent, ultrasound.
Treatment is usually surgical. Usually a bone plate is used to reattach the fractured off point of the elbow to the parent bone.
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 is fair to good with recognition and appropriate treatment, usually surgery. In most cases, a plate is placed on the olecranon, re-attaching the pulled off part.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
-
Swelling of Upper Front Limb or Leg
-
Reluctant to Move, Walk. Not Under Saddle
-
Dropped Elbow, Cannot Support Weight
-
Pain Response when Pressure Applied to An Area
-
Resists Raising, Lifting, or Bending a Limb
-
Abnormal Foot or Limb Placement, at Rest
-
Swelling around Shoulder & Elbow
-
Limb appears Obviously Fractured or Broken
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Does the configuration of the fracture involve the joint?
- Is there likely to be long-term lameness or will the horse be sound enough for my intended use?
Prevention
In halter training foals, the correct method should be quick, easy and effective and without a great deal of drama and no trauma. Certainly foals should be handled in a way that does not cause them to fall on their sides frequently.