Oftentimes foals will be born with crooked legs, however occasionally one will be born dismature. When this happens the growth plates, joint capsules, tendons and ligaments are not sufficiently formed to support the weight of the foal and normal foal activity and exercise is not sufficient to "tighten things up." In these instances, the use of appliances such as splints and theraputic shoes can support normal growth and health.

This is a case study of Peggy, a miniature who was foaled dismature and how the problem was resolved.

Peggy was not only walking downon her pasterns, but she also had lateral angulation of her legs. Support wraps were not sufficient to resolve the problem. Dr. Jerry Black of Pioneer Equine Veterinary Hospital in Oakdale, CA prescribed a rehabilitation program for Peggy which included scraping her growth plates to stimulate development, supporting the limbs with splints, providing corrective shoeing and providing LILT (low energy laser therapy) to stimulate circulation and fiberous tissue development.

Radiograph views of the forelimbs (These are front views!)

Peggy after being scraped

A "field rehab team" was put together. Danny Love was the lead farrier. Ron Moritz assisted. Willis and Sharon Lamm provided the LILT therapy. One of the first orders of business was designing a removable splint so that Peggy could get some support, but she also had to bear her own weight for short controlled intervals in an effort to tone her tendons and ligaments. Ron built such a splint by splitting a piece of PVC pipe lengthwise into quarters and riveting it to some velcro straps.

Corey and Jack installing the splint

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