FOLLOW-UP-STUDY OF RADIOGRAPHIC CHANGES AT THE EXTENSOR PROCESS OF THE PEDAL BONE AND THE BONY FRAGMENTS IN THE FETLOCK JOINT FROM THE FOALUP TO THE 2-YEAR-OLD HORSE

in the present fellow-up study standard x-rays made under practice con ditions of 151 Holstein foals, yearlings and two-year-old horses born in 1991 have been evaluated and compared. For this purpose a detailed scheme of radiographic criteria was used. A survey of the develop ment and progress of radiographic findings at the extensor process of the pedal bone and the bony fragments in the fetlock joint from the foal u p to the two-year-old horse is presented. It becomes clear that the al terations of the extensor process of the pedal bone showed a clearly p rogressive tendency. Opposite to this, bony fragments in the dorsal po uch of the fetlock joint could most often already be recognised in foa ls and yearlings. The results of this follow-up study lead iio the fol lowing conclusions: 1. There is a high incidence and obvious increase of radiographic findings already during breeding time. 2 Radiographic findings without the results of a clinical examination must not be ove rrated. 3. Radiographic examinations should be recommended to breeders and purchasers of young horses. 4. By early examinations eventually n ecessary treatment and surgery can be performed within breeding time.