Angular Limb Deformity

• Lateral deviation of distal portion of limb (valgus)
• Medial deviation of distal portion of limb (varus) - more rare
• Most common in foals
  • Carpal joint
  • Tarsal joint
  • Fetlock joint
• Congenital or acquired
• Due to:
  • Malpositioning in utero
  • Excessive joint laxity
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Trauma
  • Overnutrition
  • Defective endochondral ossification
  • Poor conformation
  • Disruption of blood supply to one side of bone
  • Secondary to physitis in horses
• Usually resolves spontaneously in one to two weeks of life
• More severe cases exceding compensatory capabilities will persisist
• Cartilage development is affected