Treatment of Distal Tarsal Osteoarthritis Using 3-Drill Tract Technique in 36 Horses

Arthrodesis of the distal tarsal joints can be achieved using the 3-drill tract technique for treatment of bone spavin with a favorable prognosis for return to previous levels of performance. Progression of osteoarthritis to involve the proximal intertarsal or tarsocrural joints did not occur, and postoperative complications were uncommon. No clinical, radiographic, or surgical variables were beneficial in predicting clinical outcome. Authors’ Addresses: Dept. of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523 (Dechant, Southwood, and Baxter); Young-Crawford Veterinary Clinic, Box 2, Site 14, RR 3, Innisfail, AB Canada T4G 1T8 (Crawford). r 1999 AAEP.