BIPARTITE PROXIMAL SESAMOID BONES IN YOUNG THOROUGHBRED HORSES |
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Authors: | Kent N Thompson PhD James R Rooney DVM |
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Institution: | Department of Veterinary Science, Maxwell Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky. |
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Abstract: | Twelve foals with unusual sesamoid development were found in a population of 107 Thoroughbred foals (60 males, 47 females) over a three year period. Radiographic examination was done at 14 days of age and at 42 day intervals thereafter. The routine administration was of a dorsopalmar view of the proximal sesamoid bones in the left forelimb. Changes of the proximal sesamoid bones were found in 11% of the foals between 14 and 56 days of age. The change was a radiolucent line at the junction of the middle and proximal third of the sesamoid bone. Of those which were observed with sesamoid bone changes, 8 had a normal radiographic appearance at 60 days. In most foals at least 2 or 3 sesamoid bones of the forelegs were affected. In some only 1 sesamoid bone was affected. The changes did not correlate with a clinical joint disorder. However, females seemed to be affected more than males. This condition may be similar to bipartite sesamoid bones described by others and probably a manifestation of secondary ossification centers. |
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Keywords: | foals development sesamoid bones |
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