Lameness of the Horse / Veterinary Practitioners' Series, No. 1

by John Victor Lacroix

Fracture of the Scapula.

Etiology and Occurrence.—Fractures of the body of the scapula are of infrequent occurrence in horses for the reason that protection is afforded this bone because of its position. Its function, too, is such that very unusual conditions are necessary to subject it to fracture. The spine is occasionally broken due to blows such as kicks, etc., and here frequently a compound fracture exists.

Fig. 6—A sling made in two parts so that horses may be supported without use of central part or bodice. This sling is more comfortable than is the ordinary style and is particularly useful in cases that require a long period of this manner of confinement.

Where fractures of the body of the scapula occur, heavy contusions have been the cause as a rule, and serious injury is done the subject; consequently, treatment of fracture of the body of the scapula is seldom successfully practised. Fractures of the body of this bone resulting from accidents not involving internal injury or other disturbances and which would not seriously interfere with the vitality of the subject, are not necessarily serious unless compound.

Fractures of the neck of the scapula are serious because of the fact that there occurs displacement of the broken parts and perfect apposition of the fractured ends is difficult, if not impossible.

Fractures that extend to the articular surface are very serious, and complete recovery in such instances is practically impossible. The cartilage of prolongation of the scapula is sometimes seriously involved in certain cases of fistulous withers, and in some instances it has been separated from its attachment to the rhomboidea muscles, and lameness has resulted. In such instances, the upper portion of the scapula is disjoined from all attachment, and with every movement the animal makes, the scapula is moved back and forth. Complete recovery in such cases does not occur.

Symptomatology.—Fractures of the scapular spine are ordinarily readily recognized because there is usually visible displacement of the broken part. Crepitation is also detected without difficulty.

In fractures of the body of the scapula where an examination may be made before much swelling has taken place, and in subjects that are not heavily muscled, one should have no difficulty in recognizing the crepitation.