Introduction
Peeters et al describe the presentation, diagnosis and successful
management of an unusual fracture, of the femoral greater trochanter, in
an eight-year-old Warmblood mare. Internal fixation was not considered
feasible due to the high likelihood of implant failure at this location
and financial constraints. However, based on successful outcomes with
similar proximal limb bony protuberances, conservative management was
undertaken with an excellent outcome – the horse returned to its
previous level of exercise. The authors should be commended in this case
report for considering the welfare implications of horses on prolonged
box rest and reflecting on what further steps could have been taken to
improve this mare’s welfare. This clinical commentary will discuss the
welfare implications of confinement in horses before expanding on
further options for optimising the management of horses undergoing box
rest.