Clinical Use of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) for the Treatment of Carpus Valgus Deformities in Young Foals: A Retrospective Study of 64 Cases (2006-2009)

The purpose of this study was to report the use and assess the effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for the treatment of carpal joint valgus deformities (CJVDs) in young foals. Only foals with CJVDs greater than 5 ̊ were included in the study. Foals were assigned to 3 treatment groups based on their degree of CJVD measured during the initial evaluation: valgus deformity (VD) of 5 ̊ to 8.9 ̊ (Group 1), VD of 9 ̊ to 11.9 ̊ (Group 2) and VD greater than or equal to 12 ̊ (Group 3). ESWT was applied on the convex side of the angular deformity immediately following the initial radiographic evaluation. Foals were subsequently evaluated clinically and radiologically followed by treatment every 10 days until resolution of the VD, with resolution defined as a deviation less than 5 degrees. Each treatment group received specific exercise, hoof trimming and hoof/shoe extension recommendations. Sixty-four (64) foals were included in the study; ages ranged from 8 to 60 days old at inclusion in the study with a mean age of 26.7 days. Of the 28 foals included in Group 1, 10 had bilateral CJVD. There were 21 in Group 2, and 15 in Group 3. Treatment success was defined as a VD angle less than 5 ̊, and was reached in all foals in Groups 1 and 2. Five (5) foals in Group 3 completed the study with a VD angle of 5 ̊ to 6.7 ̊ at the last radiographic assessment. No major complications were observed during the study. In conclusion, ESWT in conjunction with controlled exercise, hoof trimming and hoof/shoe extensions corrected severe CJVDs in young foals. The use of ESWT eliminates possible negative side effects of general anesthesia and surgical techniques to treat VDs. Future studies should include a control population, more severe cases, other types of angular limb deformities, and older foals.