Veterinary Research Forum

Radiographic abnormalities in the fetlock joints of equestrian horses in Tehran province, Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Majid Masoudifard 1
Mohammad Reza Esmailinejad 1
Elham Ebrahimi 2
Mohammad Mahdi Dehghan 1
Mohammadjavad Jahedi 3

1 Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

3 DVM Student, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

10.30466/vrf.2025.2060676.4761
Abstract
Disorders and injuries of the fetlock joint, encompassing both bone and soft tissue, are significant causes of limb pain and lameness in horses. Over time, these conditions can lead to joint dysfunction and a diminished quality of life. This study aimed to identify fetlock joint disorders using radiological examinations conducted during pre-purchase evaluations of horses and to evaluate the influence of age and sex on their incidence rates. 100 horses were selected from equestrian centers in Tehran Province during 2017 - 2020. As part of pre-purchase examinations, standard radiographic projections of the fetlock joints of all four limbs were obtained. Among the 100 horses examined, 28 showed no abnormalities in the fetlock joint, while 72 exhibited at least one disorder. Osteoarthritis was the most frequently observed condition, with an incidence of 26.75%, followed by soft tissue swelling (15.80%), medial and lateral proximal sesamoiditis (6.00%), osteochondritis dissecans (7.50%) and avulsion fractures (1.50%). Other disorders accounted for less than 5.00% of cases. The prevalence of disorders was significantly higher in the forelimbs compared to the hindlimbs, while no significant difference was found between male and female horses. The findings of this study underscored the importance of conducting pre-purchase radiographic examinations, particularly of the fetlock joints in both forelimbs and hindlimbs. These evaluations are crucial for identifying potential bone complications and for assessing the prognosis of a horse athletic performance.

Keywords

Fetlock joint
Horse
Prepurchase examination
Radiography
Subjects
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Veterinary Research Forum
Volume 17, Issue 8
August 2026
Pages 565-571

  • Receive Date 14 May 2025
  • Revise Date 06 October 2025
  • Accept Date 10 December 2025

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