Bilateral Polydactyly in a foal

The following case report describes the diagnosis and surgery of bilateral polydactyly of unknown origin in a colt. A 7-month-old Berber colt was referred for cosmetic and curative excision of supernumerary digits. Radiographic examination revealed bilateral polydactyly and well-developed first carpal bones. Surgery consisted of an osteotomy of both second metacarpal bones combined with an amputation of the supernumerary digits. The follow-up at 18 months after surgery revealed a sound horse with an excellent cosmetic outcome. Key words: congenital anomaly, horse, polydactyly A 7-month-old Berber colt was referred to the National Veterinary School of Maisons-Alfort, France, for evaluation of right sided polydactyly. According to the owner, the abnormal foot was not present at birth. The owner noticed the polydactyly during the first weeks of the foal’s life. On admission, the foal appeared to be in good health. Clinical examination was normal and the colt showed no signs of lameness when trotted on soft or hard surfaces. Inspection and palpation of both forelimbs revealed an additional supplementary mobile foot at the site of MC II on the right side (Fig. 1). Palpation of the left forelimb revealed a mobile distal MC II and a 0.5 × 0.3 cm cornified region at the medial aspect of the left fetlock joint. Radiographic examination of the right metacarpal and carpal region revealed a supernumerary digit composed of proximal, middle and distal phalanges at the distal aspect of metacarpus (MC) II (Fig. 2) as well as the development of the first carpal bone. Radiographic evaluation of the left metacarpal and carpal region showed a supernumerary digit composed of one phalanx at the distal aspect of MC II (Fig. 3) and a well-developed first carpal bone (Fig. 4)