Occurrence of osteochondrosis of the scapulohumeral joint in a 6-month-old filly: a case report

Abstract

Osteochondrosis of the scapulohumeral joint is one of the most frequent diseases of this joint, which can cause marked discomfort, decreased athletic use, economic losses and restrictions in equine breeding. This report discusses the clinical case of a 6-month-old warmblood filly with osteochondrosis of the scapulohumeral joint. Contraction of the deep digital flexor tendon and flexural deformity on the right front limb was the primary diagnosis established by the equine practitioner. The filly was referred to the Equine clinic of the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy (UVMP) in Košice for desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon. The final, primary diagnosis obtained by a complex diagnostic approach was osteochondrosis of the scapulohumeral joint. Presence of multiple pathologies on the right front limb was detected, but the main source of painful clinical manifestation was the condition of the scapulohumeral joint. This report describes an uncommon, rarely diagnosed pathological condition, which can lead to unfavourable prognosis. Osteochondrosis of the scapulohumeral joint was the reason for humane euthanasia of the filly in this case. The clinical case was completed by postmortem findings.