PREVALENT SURGICAL AFFECTIONS OF THE METACARPUS, METATARSUS AND PHALANGES IN EQUINES IN UPPER EGYPT

The present study was carried out on 441 animals of equine species (371 donkey, 45 horses and 25 mule) of both sexes showing surgical affections in the metacarpus, metatarsus and phalanges. The results obtained from the present study were: Donkeys were met with in a high number, followed by horses and mules. The affections were more common in the thoracic limbs than in the pelvic limbs. Chronic tendinitis and tendovaginitis of the flexor tendons were met with in a high percentage than the other types of affections (68%). All cases of tendovaginitis were recorded in combination with tendinits. Deep digital flexor tendon was the most common seat for tendinitis than superficial digital flexor tendon and suspensory ligament. Diffuse tendinitis was more common than localized one Fractures of metacarpal and metatarsal bones were recorded in a percentage of 6%. Fractures of phalangeas were recorded in a percentage of 5.8%. Osteoperiosteal reactions (ring bone and splints) were recorded in a percentage of 11.2%. Joint . affections alone were recorded in a percentage of
1.8%. Wounds of metacarpus, metatarsus and phalangeal region were recorded in a percentage of 5.2%. Shortening of the flexor tendons and fractures of the proximal sesamoid bones were recrded in a percentage of (1.8%) and (0.2%) respectively.