CASE HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS
A 3-month-old Thoroughbred filly was referred to the Davidson Surgery
Center at the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Kentucky
for a history of left forelimb lameness of three days duration. The
lameness was first noted by the owner when the filly was brought in from
turnout with other mares and foals. There was no evidence of visible
trauma and the filly had been reportedly healthy. At the time of
admission, the foal appeared bright, heart rate was 60 beats per minute,
respiratory rate was 24 breaths per minute, and temperature was 38.0 ºC.
There was no evidence of joint sepsis or other co-morbidities on
physical examination. The foal was mildly resistant to palpation of the
proximal forelimb. Passive range of motion of the proximal forelimb
appeared normal. No crepitus, asymmetry, or muscle atrophy of the region
was appreciated. The foal’s lameness was described as a 4/5 left
forelimb lameness (AAEP grading scale, AAEP, 2018) with a reduction of
the cranial phase of the stride at a walk.