@article{vdt 75698, author = {S. Carlier, M. Oosterlinck, A. Martens, F. Pille}, title = {Treatment of acquired flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint in the horse: a retrospective study of 51 cases}, volume = {85}, year = {2016}, url = {https://openjournals.ugent.be/vdt/article/id/75698/}, issue = {1}, doi = {10.21825/vdt.v85i1.16402}, abstract = {<p>Flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint is an important disorder in horses, which can be acquired during the first year of life, often as a result of lateralization during grazing. In this retrospective study, the medical files of 51 cases presented at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Ghent University (1999-2013) were analyzed, followed by a telephone questionnaire. In 65% of the conservatively treated patients, the hoof conformation corrected completely, which was not significantly different from what was seen in the surgically treated group (complete correction in 56% of cases). Foals treated conservatively before the age of six months and foals treated surgically before twelve months of age, had a significantly better chance of a successful correction than older foals. Moreover, cases in which treatment did not restore the hoof conformation completely, presented a significantly higher chance of (persisting) lameness and were significantly less likely to have an athletic career. Finally, this study proved a significant association between the hoof conformation of the dam and her foals.</p>}, month = {2}, pages = {9-14}, issn = {0303-9021}, publisher={Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UGent)}, journal = {Vlaams Diergeneeskundig Tijdschrift} }