We recently had a weanling Belgian colt presented to us with an extra digit. When an animal is born with an extra digit, the disorder is known as a polydactyl, polydactyly, or polydactylism. The words are used, or misused, as if interchangeable. Poly, of course, means many, and dactyl comes from the Greek word daktylos, for digit. Polydactyly of the metacarpal (front limbs) or the metatarsal (hind limbs) very rarely occurs in the horse and the cause is still unknown. In eighty percent of the cases, the extra digit occurs in the medial (inside) aspect of the forelimb. The diagnosis is based on clinical examination. A complete radiological examination of the involved digit is required to evaluate the bone abnormalities. The extra digit should be removed to improve the cosmetic appearance and to prevent injury to the extra digit. This colt did not appear to be lame or effected in any way by the extra limb, but surgery was recommended for cosmetic appearance and to prevent any future injuries to the horse. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia by Dr. Jose J. Bras and Dr. John C. Park here at Park Equine Hospital, where the colt’s extra digit was removed. Now that successful surgery has been performed, this little one is now resting back at home. The future is nothing bright for this guy!
Posted on: Wed, 26 Nov 2014 21:13:11 +0000