Complete luxation or subluxation at any of the tarsal joints in a horse can result from severe trauma, with or without concurrent tarsal bone fracture. The tarsometatarsal and proximal intertarsal joints are most commonly affected.
Diagnosis of tarsal joint luxation is based on the presence of severe lameness, soft tissue swelling, and, occasionally, angular limb deformity of the hindlimb. Even in the absence of such deformity, luxation cannot be ruled out, because some dislocations can spontaneously reduce.
Radiographic evidence of luxation is diagnostic; stressed views might be required. Treatment involves stabilizing the limb through conservative management with a cast (provided there are no concurrent fractures) or surgical arthrodesis. The outcome is usually better with arthrodesis.
The prognosis for athletic soundness is guarded to fair with distal tarsal joint luxations and poor with luxation of the tarsocrural joint.
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Also see pet owner content regarding disorders of the tarsus in horses.
