Retrospective study on 30 horses with chronic proliferative pododermatitis (canker)

The medical records of 30 horses (18 Warmbloods, 7 draught horses, 3 other breeds and 2 of unknown origin) with chronic proliferative pododermatitis (canker) were reviewed and long-term outcome was obtained by telephone questionnaire. In 28/30 cases, the owner was the first to discover the problem. The disease was initially recognised as canker in only 5/28 cases, whereas in 10/28 cases a treatment for thrush had been continued for several months before referral. There was a similar prevalence in the fore (41) and hind (44) hooves; 13/30 horses had 4 hooves affected. Treatment consisted of surgical debridement and hoof care. Duration of hospitalisation was significantly decreased in horses receiving oral prednisolone for 3 weeks compared to those without this additional systemic treatment (mean +/- s.d. 24 +/- 5 days, n = 7 vs. 40 +/- 19 days, n = 19, respectively). Long-term follow-up ranged from 3 months to 6 years (36 +/- 22 months) and was available for 24 horses. No recurrence was reported in 10 horses. In 14 horses problems recurred within the first year, and 6 had been subjected to euthanasia for this reason specifically, whereas the others were managed by regular trimming. There was no significant association between recurrence and the number of affected hooves or the use of any systemic treatment. Horses with delayed referral because of preceding treatments had significantly more chance to develop recurrence, highlighting the need for prompt diagnosis and subsequent treatment

Sidewinder syndrome associated with partial rupture of the ligamentum capitis ossis femoris

A 25-year-old Welsh Cob stallion was presented with a sudden onset of abnormal hind limb gait. Being led at walk on a straight line, the hindquarters were shifted to the right and the horse was walking on three tracks. Treatment with corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs was attempted but ineffective and eventually the horse was euthanased. Postmortem examination of the coxofemoral joints revealed a bilateral degeneration of the articular cartilage of both the acetabulum and the femoral head, as well as a partial rupture of the left ligamentum capitis ossis femoris. Histological examination of this ligament showed collagen fibre fragmentation, increased proteoglycan and cellular infiltrates. The irreversible clinical signs were compatible with so-called ’sidewinder syndrome’ and ’crabwalking’ to the right and were associated with partial rupture of the left ligamentum capitis ossis femoris and bilateral degenerative joint disease of the coxofemoral joint, but the exact aetiology remains unknown

Sidewinder syndrome in a 25 year old welsh cob stallion

Introduction: Recently, ‘sidewinder’ or ‘crabwalker’ syndrome has been described in, generally older, horses with an acute onset of an off-track gait and movement of the hind limbs. However, the exact etiology remains unknown. Case description: A 25 year old welsh cob stallion was presented with a sudden onset of an abnormal pelvic limb gait. The horse was unable to stand ‘square’, putting the right hind leg left to the median line, continuously leaning the pelvis to the right with a rather extended left hind leg. Often, the horse slowly spinned to the left because of continuous swaying of the pelvic limbs to the right. The horse was more comfortable when leaning the right hind leg against the stable wall. At walk the right hind leg was put to the right of the right foreleg while the left hind leg was approximately in line with the right foreleg. When walking in freedom the stallion usually made a circling movement in order to approach a target. Vital signs and blood examination were normal. No nervous deficits were found. Magnetic Motoric Evoked Potential exam, needle electromyography and radiography were normal. Treatment with NSAID and steroids did not change the clinical signs and 4 months after initial presentation the stallion was euthanized. At necropsy bilateral degenerative hip joint disease was found. Lesions were more severe at the left side with partial rupture of the left ligamentum capitis femoris. Histologically, this ligament showed fragmented collagen fibers, proteoglycan increase and cellular infiltrate. Conclusion: Irreversible signs of sidewinder syndrome and crab walking to the right were associated with partial rupture of the left ligamentum capitis femoris and degenerative joint disease