Surgical management of a severe congenital deformity of the hind limb in a Shetland pony foal – a case report

This case report describes the surgical management of a severe congenital deformity in Shetland pony. A two-week-old foal was presented with right hind limb showing 90-degree torsion tarsal region towards medial side and metatarsophalangeal joint forced extension behind tarsus. As assessed through radiography, tibial malleoli trochlea talus were poorly developed, flexor tendons inserted topographically correctly on phalanges but due to articular torsion, tenaculum long lateral digital extensor projected laterally common tendon medioplantar aspect. At age one month, corrective ostectomy malleoli, trochlear ridge, performed reposition adjacent bones. The bones repositioned an arthrotomy subsequently fused by means two cortex screws lag fashion. Complete correction achieved metatarsal osteotomy. 20-hole 3.5-mm reconstruction plate used for stabilization tibia metatarsus, resulting pantarsal arthrodesis. Partial shortening improve angulation region. nine months after surgery, pony keeping hoof sole ground.