Equine Talocalcaneal subluxation.
Authors: Bertelsen Lily
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Equine Talocalcaneal Subluxation Bertelsen's 2024 case series documents an unusual presentation of talocalcaneal subluxation in a Quarter horse filly and subsequently her half-sibling, raising important questions about whether this condition may be inherited or developmentally predisposed in certain bloodlines. The initial filly presented with a traumatic cannon bone wound that was surgically managed, but during subsequent radiographic monitoring for a corrected varus deformity, bilateral talocalcaneal subluxation was identified on lateromedial views—a finding without established treatment protocols in the literature at the time. Notably, the colt born from the same mare several months later was found to have identical radiographic changes despite having no clinical signs, traumatic history, or lameness, suggesting a potential familial component to the condition's aetiology. The inability to locate evidence-based treatment options led to euthanasia of the filly, though the colt's asymptomatic status may offer a different prognostic trajectory warranting further investigation. For equine practitioners, this case series underscores the value of tarsal radiography in at-risk populations and highlights a significant gap in the clinical literature regarding management of talocalcaneal subluxation—knowledge crucial for advising breeders and owners when confronted with this condition in their stock.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Talocalcaneal subluxation appears to be an uncommonly recognized condition in horses—maintain high suspicion when evaluating tarsal radiographs, particularly lateromedial views of young horses with varus deformities or from problematic bloodlines
- •Consider screening offspring from mares or families with bilateral tarsal deformities, as this case suggests potential hereditary involvement
- •No established surgical treatment protocol exists for this condition; veterinarians should document cases thoroughly and consider referral centers for potential novel treatment approaches rather than defaulting to euthanasia
Key Findings
- •Talocalcaneal subluxation was identified bilaterally in a Quarter horse filly following trauma and correction of varus deformity with transphyseal screw fixation
- •The same congenital or heritable talocalcaneal subluxation was subsequently identified in a clinically normal 2-month-old colt from the same mare, suggesting possible genetic predisposition
- •No prior case reports with treatment protocols or surgical correction options for equine talocalcaneal subluxation were found in literature
- •Humane euthanasia was elected for the filly due to lack of treatment evidence and bilateral deformity