INTRODUCTION
Scapular fractures are uncommon in horses (Adams and Nixon, 2019; Dyson, 1985; Auer and Furst, 2017). Fractures may involve the supraglenoid tubercle, neck, spine, body, and glenoid cavity (Adams and Nixon, 2019; Richardson and Ortvet, 2022). These fractures are usually caused by traumatic processes or stress fractures in race breeds (Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses). The latter may evolve into comminuted catastrophic fractures (Auer and Furst, 2017).
The distribution of shoulder fractures generally includes horses less than two years of age due to the presence of the physis between the supraglenoid tubercle and the neck of the scapula. An overload of tension at the attachment of the biceps brachii and coracobrachialis tendons to the supraglenoid tubercle makes this the most common site for fracture of the shoulder (Auer and Furst, 2017; Fortier, 2019; Richardson and Ortvet, 2022).
Fractures involving the supraglenoid tubercle and the neck of the scapula are identified with routine radiographic projections of the shoulder (Adams and Nixon, 2019, Dyson, 1985). Due to the amount of superimposition of soft tissue and thoracic structures with the proximal thoracic limb, other methods of imaging, such as ultrasonography and nuclear scintigraphy, have been used to diagnose fractures involving the body and spine of the scapula (Vallance et al, 2009; Richardson and Ortvet, 2022).
Conservative management of scapular body fractures not involving the glenoid cavity has been described (Dyson, 1985). Kidd et al described a longitudinal fracture of the body of the scapula in a 2-year-old Paint horse with successful surgical treatment (Kidd et al, 2007).
The aim of this case report is 1) to describe a novel radiographic projection, a dorsal 45° lateral‐ventral lateral oblique, which is used to image the body of the scapula and 2) to describe the outcome of conservative management of a longitudinal scapular body fracture.