How to Tape Angular Limb Deformities in Foals

Drs. Solange Mikail is a veterinarian, animal physiotherapist, member of the ACVSMR and also a VetkinTape teacher. During the 10th International Congress of the Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy (IAVRPT) in Knoxville USA (30 July – 3 August 2018), her poster presentation, on the application of VetkinTape to leg stance abnormalities in foals, was judged best.

Angular position deviation in foals

It happens regularly that foals are born with abnormalities of the legs. Causes may include an incorrect position in the womb, a premature birth, or problems around the birth. It is also possible for a stallion to develop after birth, for example due to problems with the growth plates or a kick from another horse. A foal grows very quickly in the first few months and therefore early treatment of the leg position can have a positive effect. The final result depends on the severity of the position deviation. In addition to conservative treatment, surgical intervention can also be envisaged. On this page, we will share the outcomes of dr. Mikails case study on taping foals with angular position deviations.

In Solange Mikail’s study, two foals were treated with an angular position deviation. The stance deviation is clearly visible at the front or the back and can also be measured. Normally, a straight line can be drawn through hoof-ankle-pipe-for-knee or hock-ankle. With stance deviations, an angle can be measured. There are two types of angular position deviations, a valgus position (X-legs) in which the lower leg points outward, and a varus position (O-legs) in which the lower leg points inward.

Name of the study

Correction of angular limb deformities in foals using kinesiology taping

Background information:

Kinesiology taping is a treatment technique using elastic orthopaedic tapes. One of the effects that can be achieved with the use of elastic taping is the stabilisation of anatomical structures. Angular position deviation is a well-known problem in foals and the treatment is often surgical. The purpose of the case study is to investigate the efficacy of Kinesiology taping as a treatment method for angular position deviation in foals.

Material and method

Two cases with angular position deviation studied:
Case 1: 30-day-old Magalarga filly foal with a carpus valgus deviation on the right front leg. Case 2: 60 day old Quarter Horse foal with a carpus valgus deviation on the left front leg.

• In both foals, a 20 cm strip of VetkinTape with 30% stretch was applied to the medial side of the affected leg, to support the medial collateral ligament.
• Two 10 cm strips were also applied as an anchor at the top and bottom of the tape to prevent loosening.
• The tape was changed every 5 days and the foals were treated for a total of 15 days.
• The angle of the leg position was then measured on the photos using ImageJ software.

Results:

In both cases, the angle of the stance deviation improved within 15 treatment days. The stance angle gradually reached an almost normal position from day 1 to day 15. The angle in case 1 changed from 153 to 180 degrees (figure 1) and in case 2 from 162 to 177 degrees (figure 2).

Conclusion:

Kinesiology taping with VetkinTape can be a non-invasive and inexpensive treatment for angular position disorders in foals. Further research is needed. Download the original poster presentation: Kinesiology poster stance deviation foal.

More information:

• Shop VetkinTape® »
• Continue reading about Equine kinesiology tape »
• Check out the VetkinTape® Introductory offer »
• Check out the equine kinesiology taping course»

Please note that applications provided on our website are not clinically proven. All mentioned applications are based on extensive evaluation and case studies with licensed physiotherapists and/or other health professionals.

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