Costa XIV (left)
Horses have 18 pairs of ribs forming the thoracic cage. The first 8 pairs are sternal (true) ribs that connect directly to the sternum via their own costal cartilages. The remaining 10 pairs are asternal (false) ribs; the last rib (18th) is floating and does not connect to the sternum. Each rib has a head (capitulum) that articulates with thoracic vertebral bodies and a tubercle that articulates with the transverse process. The ribs protect the heart and lungs, expand and contract during breathing, and provide attachment for intercostal and abdominal muscles. Rib 1 is the shortest and most cranial; Rib 18 is the longest and most caudal.
Origin: N/A (bone)
Insertion: N/A (bone)
Action: Protect thoracic organs; expand and contract during breathing; provide attachment for intercostal and abdominal muscles
Rib fractures can occur from trauma and may be associated with pneumothorax or damage to underlying organs. The first few ribs are relevant in evaluations of the thoracic inlet and brachial plexus. Costochondral junctions can be sites of injury or inflammation. Diagnosis of rib fractures uses clinical examination and radiographs or ultrasound.
## Overview Severe rib fractures can lacerate the intercostal arteries that run along the caudal border of each rib. Bleeding into the chest (hemothorax) causes rapid respiratory distress, pale gums,
## Overview Rib fractures result from kicks, falls, or compression (foals stepped on by mares). They cause localized pain, swelling, shallow rapid breathing, and reluctance to expand the chest. Displ
Sudden pain or swelling over the ribs after trauma, or difficulty breathing, should be evaluated. Protect the horse from further trauma while awaiting veterinary assessment.
## Overview Severe rib fractures can lacerate the intercostal arteries that run along the caudal border of each rib. Bleeding into the chest (hemothorax) causes rapid respiratory distress, pale gums, and elevated heart rate. It is a life-threatening emergency. ## Causes Displaced rib fractures from kicks, falls, or collisions. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs of shock and respiratory distress after chest trauma, ultrasound showing free blood in the pleural space, and radiographs of the ribs. ## Treatment Emergency stabilization, blood transfusion if needed, and drainage of the hemothorax. Surgical control of bleeding is rarely feasible. Prognosis is guarded. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded to poor depending on the volume of blood loss and associated injuries. ## Prevention Trauma avoidance. Signs include: rapidly developing hemothorax; respiratory distress; pale gums; rapid heart rate after chest trauma
## Overview Rib fractures result from kicks, falls, or compression (foals stepped on by mares). They cause localized pain, swelling, shallow rapid breathing, and reluctance to expand the chest. Displaced fragments can lacerate the lung, causing pneumothorax, or damage intercostal arteries. Crepitus may be felt. ## Causes Blunt trauma. ## Diagnosis Palpation, ultrasound, and radiographs. ## Treatment Pain control and rest for simple fractures. Emergency management of pneumothorax or hemothorax if present. Most uncomplicated fractures heal with time. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for simple fractures. Complications worsen the outlook. ## Prevention Safe environments, especially for foals. Signs include: localized pain and swelling over the ribs; pain on breathing; shallow rapid breathing; crepitus; possible pneumothorax
Rib fractures can occur from trauma and may be associated with pneumothorax or damage to underlying organs. The first few ribs are relevant in evaluations of the thoracic inlet and brachial plexus. Costochondral junctions can be sites of injury or inflammation. Diagnosis of rib fractures uses clinical examination and radiographs or ultrasound.
Sudden pain or swelling over the ribs after trauma, or difficulty breathing, should be evaluated. Protect the horse from further trauma while awaiting veterinary assessment.
See the Rib 14 (Left) on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model