Abstract
Subluxation of the fetlock joint with medially displaced phalanges of the forelimb was radiographically diagnosed in 3 dairy cows. The cause of subluxation of case 1 was unknown, however, the periosteal new bone formation at the affected joint may suggest that a certain period had past after the luxation. Other two cows (cases 2 and 3) were considered to be luxated when their limbs were caught in chains which tied the cow to the stall.
Under the sedation with xylazine, subluxated joint was reduced by the traction of the affected limb and the hand. In case 1, the dislocation could not be reduced. In case 2, the procedure was attemted on the third day of onset of subluxation and the dislocation was successfully reduced. In case 3, complete reduction could not be performed on the ninth day of luxation. After the reduction, affected joint was fixed with plaster. The prognosis of case 2 was quite good and, in case 3, the lameness disappeared 2 months after the reduction.
