J Vet Sci.  2007 Jun;8(2):201-203. 10.4142/jvs.2007.8.2.201.

Bilateral Polydactyly in a foal

• Carstanjen B
• Abitbol M
• Desbois C

• KMID: 1089675
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2007.8.2.201

Abstract

The following case report describes the diagnosis and surgery of bilateral polydactyly of unknown origin in a colt. A 7-month-old Berber colt was referred for cosmetic and curative excision of supernumerary digits. Radiographic examination revealed bilateral polydactyly and welldeveloped first carpal bones. Surgery consisted of an osteotomy of both second metacarpal bones combined with an amputation of the supernumerary digits. The follow-up at 18 months after surgery revealed a sound horse with an excellent cosmetic outcome.

Keyword

congenital anomaly; horse; polydactyly

MeSH Terms

Animals
Horse Diseases/radiography/*surgery
Horses
Male
Osteotomy/veterinary
Polydactyly/radiography/surgery/*veterinary

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Inspection and palpation of both forelimbs revealed an supplementary mobile foot at the site of MC (metacarpus) II on the right side (black arrow) and a suspected supernumerary digit at the left side (white arrow).

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  Fig. 2 Radiographic view of the right MC II. The supernumerary digit composed of proximal (I), middle (II) and distal (III) phalanges at the distal aspect of MC II.

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  Fig. 3 Radiographic evaluation of the left metacarpal region showed a supernumerary digit composed of one phalanx (arrow) at the distal aspect of MC II.

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  Fig. 4 Radiographic evaluation of the left carpal region revealed a well developed first carpal bone (arrow).

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  Fig. 5 Intra-operative view of the dissection of the supernumerary digit of the right forelimb. The supplementary hoof was circumcised about seven mm proximal of the coronary band.

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  Fig. 6 Right forelimb 3 days after surgical excision of the supernumerary digits.

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