Front fetlock joint angle (FA) measurement might predict musculoskeletal injury. This study aimed to identify an accurate reliable tool, and develop a consistent method for measuring the FA. Fetlock centre of rotation was identified radiographically. Goniometer measurements were validated on ten vertically fixed post-mortem distal forelimbs by positioning the centre of rotation of the goniometer on the approximate centre of rotation of the joint for five measurements of each FA at three day intervals and one measurement by another person (rater B). Both FA’s of fourteen sound horses standing squarely on a concrete floor were repeated before and after lifting the contralateral limb, which was flexed at the carpus and held at the same level as the carpus of the standing limb. Consistency of measurements was assessed using both fetlock joints of five horses standing squarely on a concrete floor measured six times in random order and then with the contralateral limb lifted using both front fetlocks of eight horses measured five times in random order. The repeatability coefficient was calculated with WinPepi v10.5 software. The centre of rotation was on or around the eminence of the lateral collateral ligament. The repeatability coefficient of the goniometer validation was 4.7°. The mean FA for rater A and B were not significantly different (161.4° versus 162.9°). FA’s were significantly less after lifting the contralateral limbs (P
Abdulrhman M. Alrtib, Helen M S Davies(7-2012)

Relationships between carpal morphology and carpal pathology might assist in identifying horses at risk of carpal pathology. This study was aimed to investigate the hypothesis that carpal morphology is related to the incidence of carpal pathology in racing Thoroughbreds. Ten carpal parameters were used to measure carpal morphology on dorsopalmar (DP) carpal radiographs. Radiographs were collected from 19 experienced Thoroughbred race horses with no evidence of carpal damage(normal)and 72 horses with carpal damage (clinical). All radiographs were at a defined position called zero degrees (ZDP) or within an acceptable rotational range. Based on a P-value of < 0.05 and using the false discovery rate method to control Type I error, two parameters showed significant differences between normal and clinical horses. The angulation of the radial metaphysis and distal radius in relation to the angulation of the radial facet of the third carpal bone (C3) was significantly related to the occurrence of pathology in the bones of the middle carpal joint in Thoroughbred race horses. This study presented important features on DP radiographs that allowed identification of a carpal conformation associated with carpal damage in Thoroughbred race horses. Using such a highly specific, cost-effective and safe technique as a routine for examining yearling Thoroughbreds would assist in identifying horses with carpal conformation unsuited to racing.
Aiman Hussein Saleh Oheida, Abdulrhman Mohamed Salah Alrtib, Mohamed Hamrouni S. Abushhiwa, Christopher J. Philip, Helen M.S. Davies(1-2022)

Background: Orthopedic diseases involving the forelimb fetlock joint of horses other than those used in professional racing have not been widely reported in the literature. One of these problems is the exostosis on the proximal forelimb phalanx (P1), which has not been reported previously in Western Libya. Aim: The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of P1 exostosis in traditional equestrian horses (known locally as Sarj horses) of different breeds in Libya that participated in a special social event and described its clinical findings radiographic appearance. Methods: The current study involved 60 horses admitted to private veterinary clinics with varied fetlock orthopedic problems. The studied horses were aged between 6 and 11 years old and galloped on hard grounds. Clinical and radiographic examinations were carried out on all horses. Lateromedial radiographs for one or both forelimb fetlock joints were acquired for each horse. Results: Clinical examination revealed that 21 horses (35%) had hard non-painful swelling on the dorsal aspect of fetlock with joint stiffness during flexion. In 19 of them, the swelling was bilateral. No forelimb lameness was noticed. Radiographically, hard swelling was diagnosed as bone exostosis, with various sizes, on the proximo-dorsal aspect of P1. There was also a new bone formation on the disto-dorsal part of third metacarpal bone in two cases. Conclusion: This study has documented the first report on bone exostosis on the proximo-dorsal aspect of the forelimb proximal phalanx as a common problem in Sarj horses that galloped on hard grounds in Western Libya. Although this bone lesion did not cause lameness in all reported cases, further investigations are warranted to identify its histopathological nature, potential etiology, and proper treatment. Keywords: Exostosis, Fetlock, Forelimb proximal phalanx, Horse, Radiography.
Mohamed Hamrouni S. Abushhiwa, Taher N. Elmeshreghi, Abdulrhman Mohamed Salah Alrtib, Emad M R Bennour, Aiman Hussein Saleh Oheida(1-2022)