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Tarsal Joint Luxation in Horses

ByJane C. Boswell, MA, VetMB, CertVA, CertES (Orth), DECVS, MRCVS;
James K. Belknap, DVM, PhD, DACVS, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio State University;Tracy A. Turner, DVM, DACVS, DACVSMR, Turner Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery;Jane C. Boswell, MA, VetMB, CertVA, CertES (Orth), DECVS, MRCVS;Peter Clegg, MA, Vet MB, DipECVS, PhD, MRCVS, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Liverpool;Matthew T. Brokken, DVM, DACVS, DACVSMR, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University;Marcus J. Head, BVetMed;James Schumacher, DVM, DACVS, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee;John Schumacher, DVM, DACVIM-LAIM, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University;Chris Whitton, BVSc, FANZCVS, PhD, Equine Centre, University of Melbourne
Reviewed/Revised Sept 2015 | Modified Sept 2024

Complete luxation or subluxation of the tarsocrural, talocalcaneal-centroquartal, and tarsometatarsal joint may occur with or without concurrent tarsal bone fracture as the result of severe trauma. Horses may be salvaged for breeding or retirement to pasture by reducing the luxation under general anesthesia and applying a full limb cast for 6–8 wk followed by a further 4–8 wk of immobilization in a heavily padded bandage. Restricted range of motion of the hock and progressive osteoarthritis means these horses are unlikely to return to athletic use.

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