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 Scapula or Point of Shoulder
Summary
The scapula is a plate of bone positioned on the side of the horse from the withers to the point of the shoulder, where it joins the upper arm bone (humerus) to form the shoulder joint.
Fractures of this area are rare and usually occur when a horse falls on its side at speed or runs into a wall or heavy fence at speed. A well placed kick from a pasture-mate can also cause fracture in this area.
These fractures can be difficult to diagnose. It can be impossible to x-ray this area with conventional x-ray equipment because of the huge mass of muscle and tissue at this level. Most x-ray generators are not powerful enough to penetrate. Ultrasound can be very useful though.
Treatment is usually conservative - long periods of rest. But this depends upon the specific nature of the fracture.
Fractures of this area are rare and usually occur when a horse falls on its side at speed or runs into a wall or heavy fence at speed. A well placed kick from a pasture-mate can also cause fracture in this area.
These fractures can be difficult to diagnose. It can be impossible to x-ray this area with conventional x-ray equipment because of the huge mass of muscle and tissue at this level. Most x-ray generators are not powerful enough to penetrate. Ultrasound can be very useful though.
Treatment is usually conservative - long periods of rest. But this depends upon the specific nature of the fracture.
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
Depends on the specific nature of the fracture and the intended use of the horse. Each fracture is unique. As with all fractures, important factors include involvement of a joint, characteristics of the fracture line, and involvement of other anatomic structures.If the fracture involves the joint, the horse will likely be chronically lame at best. If the fracture does not involve the shoulder joint or biceps tendon, the horse is likely to be pasture sound at least with nothing more than stall confinement for 8 weeks.
my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
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Swelling of Upper Front Limb or Leg
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Resists Raising, Lifting, or Bending a Limb
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Skin Feels Warm or Hot, Heat in a Local Area
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Pain Response when Pressure Applied to An Area
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Lameness, Severe, Cannot Support Weight on Limb
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Lameness, Recent Front Limb
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Swelling around Shoulder & Elbow
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Reluctant to Move, Walk. Not Under Saddle
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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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Limb appears Obviously Fractured or Broken
Less Common
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Very Common
Less Common
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Is a joint or other important anatomical structure involved?
- What is the likelihood that this can be treated with stall rest alone?