Elbow joint luxation in Arabian colt-a case report

Elbow joint luxation is not commonly reported in horses. Most cases described are associated with concomitant ulnar and/or radial fracture. It occurs as a consequence of trauma causing severe limb abduction. Clinical sings include acute onset severe lameness associated with significant swelling of the affected region. This report describes a case of an elbow luxation without concomitant fractures in a colt. A 10-month-old Arabian colt was admitted at the Faculty clinic with the history of an acute onset of severe lameness lasting for 4 days. The colt was kept on pasture with other horses. At admission the colt was not bearing any weight on the affected limb and the contralateral limb was held adducted. The elbow region was severely swollen with a dropped elbow position. Passive abduction caused crepitation sounds at the right elbow joint level. Neurological examination was unremarkable. Radiographic examination was performed in two standard projections. The X-ray findings showed elbow luxation with lateral dislocation and slight muscle contraction relates to radius and ulna, evident in anteroposterior x-ray projection. Due to antebrachial contraction, laterolateral projection showed more significant cranial and proximal dislocation. There was no evidence of bone fracture. Surgical therapy was proposed to the owners, but they opted for euthanasia. Symptoms like acute forelimb non-weightbearing lameness should be assesed with comprehensive radiographic examination in order to make a diagnosis. Surgical repair is often not the best option since it is difficult to achieve complete reduction of an elbow luxation and provide enough joint stability. Postoperative complications such as recurrence of luxation, bone lysis, osteomyelitis and septic arthritis are common. Such condition is very painful for the animal and the quality of life cannot be provided. Although not commonly reported in horses, elbow luxation can be a cause of severe acute forelimb lameness especially in young animals.