## Overview Fractures in horses range from minor chip fractures to catastrophic long-bone breaks. Prognosis depends on the bone involved, whether the fracture is open or closed, the age of the horse, and the degree of displacement. Adult long-bone fractures often carry a poor prognosis. ## Causes Trauma, fatigue failure, or pathologic bone weakness. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs plus radiographs. Advanced imaging for complex or articular fractures. ## Treatment Internal fixation, external coaptation, or conservative management depending on the fracture. Many adult weight-bearing long-bone fractures result in euthanasia. ## Recovery and Prognosis Highly variable. Foals and certain locations (for example, some splint or chip fractures) have better outcomes. ## Prevention Risk reduction through training management and safe environments.
acute lameness; swelling; crepitus; non-weight-bearing in severe cases; radiographic fracture line
## Overview Fractures in horses range from minor chip fractures to catastrophic long-bone breaks. Prognosis depends on the bone involved, whether the fracture is open or closed, the age of the horse, and the degree of displacement. Adult long-bone fractures often carry a poor prognosis. ## Causes Trauma, fatigue failure, or pathologic bone weakness. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs plus radiographs. Advanced imaging for complex or articular fractures. ## Treatment Internal fixation, external coaptation, or conservative management depending on the fracture. Many adult weight-bearing long-bone fractures result in euthanasia. ## Recovery and Prognosis Highly variable. Foals and certain locations (for example, some splint or chip fractures) have better outcomes. ## Prevention Risk reduction through training management and safe environments.
acute lameness; swelling; crepitus; non-weight-bearing in severe cases; radiographic fracture line