Surgical Operation of Polyda.ctylism in a Thoroughbred Colt

Abstract

Polydactylism and other anomalies have been known to occur in man and domestic animals. A one-year-old Thoroughbred coy was found to have 2 formed digits on the right forelimb at the Equine Health Laboratory in April, 1966. One of the digits was removed surgically by a practicing veterinarian, at the fetlock joint as soon as the colt was born. The extra digit had a complete hoof and was smaller than the normal 3rd digit. The extra digit formed an appendage at a point 5 cm above and inside of the normal fetlock. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with halothane-oxygen. The extra digit had its own flexor and extensor tendon, as well as its own blood and nerve supply. An osteotome was used to perform osteotomy. The sharp edges of the bone were rounded and made smooth by the use of a bone drill. An attempt was made to repair the skin cosmetically in order to produce a normal-appearing limb. The sutures were removed on the 10th day after the operation, when healing was satisfactory. When examined 6 months after the operation, the colt presented a normal gait and a normal-appearing lim.