A day old thoroughbred foal is presented with the deformity shown above:
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What is this condition and what syndrome may it be a part of?
A severe case of Wrynose - a congenital deformity, usually of the upper jaw, where the rostral facial structures are deviated.
In this relatively uncommon syndrome, there are a variety of combinations of congenital appendicular and axial skeletal contractures and curvatures in the affected foal. Some cases of wrynose are thought to be due to uterine malpositioning.
What are the main complications in dealing with such foals?
Maxillary–mandibular malocclusion is common
In severe cases cleft palate may also occur. Although many foals suck normally, this particular foal did not and an indwelling naso-oesophageal tube was inserted. Due to the possibility of poor consumption of colostrum and aspiration of milk, secondary infections and bacterial septicaemias can occur.
