Traumatic disruption of the suspensory apparatus in foals.

Traumatic disruption of the suspensory apparatus is a catastrophic injury in the horse. Although this injury has been described in the adult, little information is available in the foal. This paper describes 3 foals with metacarpophalangeal joint instability caused by traumatic disruption of the suspensory apparatus. Two foals had biaxial proximal sesamoid fractures in a single forelimb, and 1 foal had avulsion of the distal sesamoidean ligaments in 1 forelimb plus biaxial proximal sesamoid fractures in the other forelimb. The foals with single forelimb involvement were managed with splints, and the foal with bilateral disruption of the suspensory apparatus was euthanatized. Both treated foals resumed natural exercise at pasture. Both continue to be pasture sound 2 and 3 years after injury and are to be used for breeding. Management of disruption of the suspensory apparatus causing metacarpophalangeal joint instability using external support was effective for salvage of these 2 valuable foals for breeding.