COMPLETE FRACTURES OF THE 3RD METACARPAL OR METATARSAL BONE IN HORSES- 25 CASES (1980-1996)

Objectives-To compare treatments of complete fractures of the third me tacarpal (MC) or metatarsal (MT) bone in horses and to identify factor s that could impact prognosis. Design-Retrospective case series. Anima ls-25 horses with fractures of the third MC or MT bone that were treat ed by use of internal fixation, external coaptation, or both. Procedur e-Medical records from the Veterinary Medical Data Base of horses trea ted for fractures of third MC or MT bone at Texas A&M University from 1980 to 1994 and Purdue University from 1980 to 1996 were reviewed. in formation on signalment, results of physical and radiographic examinat ions, treatment, and outcome were obtained. For horses that had radiog raphic evidence of healing, long-term follow-up information was obtain ed by telephone contact with owners or referring veterinarians. Result s-Age, sex, weight, and limb affected were not related to outcome; how ever, affected horses were younger than the general hospital populatio ns. Seventeen horses had open fractures at referral. infection was the most common complication after surgery, with open fractures more like ly to become infected. Nonunion in an infected fracture was the most c ommon reason for postoperative failure (7 horses). Long-term follow-up was available for 16 horses; 11 of these had no complications related to surgical repair. Clinical Implications-fractures of the MC or MT b one are not always associated with a poor prognosis in horses. Proper case selection, rigid fracture stabilization, and efforts to prevent o r treat infection will improve success rate.