Surgical talocalcaneal arthrodesis combined with surgical drilling of the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints in a Mangalarga Marchador horse - case report

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to report the first case of surgical talocalcaneal arthrodesis combined with surgical drilling of the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints in a Mangalarga Marchador horse. The animal was presented to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV) with a history of lameness in both pelvic limbs. Radiographic examination confirmed tarsal osteoarthritis in both tarsi, with more pronounced changes in the left tarsus. Surgical intervention was performed on the left tarsus, combining talocalcaneal arthrodesis with surgical drilling of the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints. The horse was discharged seven days postoperatively, with rest recommended until reevaluation. Six months after surgery, the horse participated in a trail ride, and on the following day, swelling of the left tarsus and marked lameness of the left hind limb were observed. The horse was referred back to the UFV Veterinary Hospital, where diagnostic imaging confirmed an incomplete sagittal fracture of the central tarsal bone and the talus. This case demonstrates that talocalcaneal arthrodesis combined with surgical drilling of the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints is a viable procedure in horses. However, complications may arise, particularly in premature return to athletic activity.