Injury to the MF is most likely to occur in hindlimbs with cobs and ponies overrepresented.

Synovial involvement following solar foot penetration has a guarded prognosis for survival to discharge and a poor prognosis for return to pre-injury athletic function. Penetration of the central sulcus of the frog and distal phalanx involvement are associated with euthanasia during hospitalisation. Delayed referral and hospitalisation are associated with both euthanasia and failure to return to pre-injury athletic function. Breed and more than one surgery are associated with failure to return to pre-injury athletic function. These data may assist veterinary surgeons and owners to make evidence-based decisions when managing cases with synovial involvement following solar foot penetration.

This study has provided information about survival rates and risk factors for survival in horses undergoing relaparotomy that can assist clinicians and owners when determining whether to perform relaparotomy and in predicting the likely surgical outcome.

The study has provided a detailed anatomical description of the manica flexoria relevant for interpretation of diagnostic and surgical evaluation. Fibrocartilaginous metaplasia occurs on the palmar/plantar surfaces of the manica flexoria.

Abstract. Soft tissue sarcomas of the equine distal limb associated with joints, sheaths, or bursae have rarely been reported. Accurate diagnosis of these tumors is challenging in both human beings and veterinary species. Immunohistochemical staining and transmission electron microscopy have been used in human beings to reduce misdiagnosis. The current report describes 2 mature horses presenting with lameness and swelling associated with the dorsal aspect of the metacarpo(tarso)phalangeal joint. In both cases, surgical excision was performed with subsequent histological analysis of the masses to determine the tissue of origin. In both cases, immunohistochemical staining and transmission electron microscopy aided the definitive diagnosis of fibrosarcoma associated with the fetlock joints of 2 horses.

Background A triangular screw configuration has been suggested as preferable for repair of sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx. Objective To assess the outcome of a triangular screw construct for repair of incomplete and complete minimally displaced proximal phalanx fractures under standing sedation in a population of Thoroughbred racehorses, compared with a cohort repaired using a linear screw configuration. Study design Retrospective cohort study. Methods Medical records and radiographs were accessed to garner clinical data. Date of return to racing was determined from http://www.racingpost.com. Survival data were compared using log‐rank test. Results Sixty‐two horses with one horse having two separate fractures. Fifty‐four fractures were repaired using triangular screw configuration, 10 with a linear screw configuration. 81% (43/53) of horses with triangular repair returned to racing at a median of 289 days (161‐482 days), 70% (7/10) horses with linear screws returned to racing at a median of 351 days (230‐815 days). Main limitations A limited number of horses underwent conventional (linear) screw placement. Conclusion A triangular screw configuration placed in the standing sedated horse is an effective way to repair incomplete and complete minimally displaced proximal phalanx fractures. The rate of return to racing was excellent with a low rate of complications.

This is the second article in a two-part series that aims to describe the principles of investigating and treating common back pathologies in riding horses. The first article (Findley and others 2015) discussed the various diagnostic techniques available to aid the clinician in diagnosing back pain of the thoracolumbar and sacroiliac regions. The strengths and limitations associated with each technique and the challenges involved with reaching a specific diagnosis were outlined. This second article focuses on the techniques, indications and evidence available for both conservative and surgical treatment options following a diagnosis of equine back pain.

Potential back pain is frequently investigated as a cause of poor performance or behavioural problems in horses. The term ‘back pain’ encompasses a range of osseous, muscular and ligamentous pathologies and it is often challenging for the equine veterinarian to determine whether a horse has primary back pain, back pain secondary to lameness and an alteration in gait pattern, or has a training or behavioural issue. Careful examination and analysis is essential to reach an accurate diagnosis in these cases. This article, the first in a two-part series, will discuss the approach to investigating suspected back pain, including the appropriate choice of diagnostic tests and imaging modalities to aid decision making in these potentially difficult cases. The second article, to be published in a subsequent issue of In Practice, will describe the conservative and surgical treatment options for the management of thoracolumbar and sacroiliac region pain.