## Overview Stress fractures of the dorsal cortex of the third metacarpal bone are common in young racehorses. They result from repetitive high-strain loading before the bone has fully adapted. Clinical signs are soreness over the cannon after fast work. Incomplete fractures can progress to complete fracture if training continues. ## Causes Cyclical fatigue of immature bone. ## Diagnosis Clinical examination and radiographs. Scintigraphy detects early stress remodeling. ## Treatment Rest and modification of the training schedule. Complete fractures may require internal fixation. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for incomplete stress fractures with appropriate rest. Complete fractures have a more guarded outlook. ## Prevention Gradual introduction of high-speed work.
soreness over the dorsal cannon after fast work; heat and swelling; radiographic stress fracture or periosteal reaction
## Overview Stress fractures of the dorsal cortex of the third metacarpal bone are common in young racehorses. They result from repetitive high-strain loading before the bone has fully adapted. Clinical signs are soreness over the cannon after fast work. Incomplete fractures can progress to complete fracture if training continues. ## Causes Cyclical fatigue of immature bone. ## Diagnosis Clinical examination and radiographs. Scintigraphy detects early stress remodeling. ## Treatment Rest and modification of the training schedule. Complete fractures may require internal fixation. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for incomplete stress fractures with appropriate rest. Complete fractures have a more guarded outlook. ## Prevention Gradual introduction of high-speed work.
soreness over the dorsal cannon after fast work; heat and swelling; radiographic stress fracture or periosteal reaction