Page 51 - The Mini Horse Magazine 2023 No 1

3. Luxated patella. This can cause a
similar stance as upward fixation of the patella
and might result in long-term lameness. The
patella luxates (Dislocates) laterally, or to either
side, due to congenital abnormalities of the
stifle region, including a shallower than normal
femoral groove (where the patella slides) and
a hypoplastic (abnormally small) or deviated
tibial crest, which is the front edge of the tibia.
Veterinarians must reposition the tibial crest
and deepen the femoral groove surgically.
4. Malerupted teeth. Minis commonly retain their
deciduous (baby) teeth, impeding eruption of
the permanent teeth and causing overcrowding.
Often, the deciduous teeth must be pulled.
5. Overbite/Underbite. Jaw deformities are
common and serious. In the brachygnathism, or
parrot mouth, the upper incisors hang over the
lower ones. In prognathism, or monkey mouth,
the lower incisors extend beyond the upper.
Both require frequent dental care. Severe cases
can prevent Minis from chewing food properly.
6. Sinusitis. The roots of the molars are located
in the sinuses of the skull. With overcrowding of
the teeth comes overcrowding of the roots in the
sinuses. This can prevent normal sinus drainage
and allow trapped bacteria to multiply, causing
a sinus infection.
7. Fecaliths and enteroliths. Fecaliths are rocklike
manure impactions caused by poor mastication
(chewing) of food, poor-quality feed, or eating
foreign materials. Enteroliths are rocklike masses
that occur when minerals form around some
nidus, such as a swallowed rock or other foreign
material. Fecaliths commonly develop in the small
colon, whereas enteroliths can occur anywhere in
the gastrointestinal tract. Occasionally, they will
2. Upward fixation of the patella. With this pass with fluids and mineral oil, but most cases
condition, the patella (kneecap), which is part of require surgical removal.
the stifle joint, gets hung up on the femur's medial 8. Hyperlipidemia/Hepatic lipidosis. Minis store
trochlea (a protrusion on the inner part, above fat easily. If they go off feed or are stressed due
the patella) and "locks" the stifle in extension - to pregnancy, lactation or disease, their bodies
basically, this looks like a stiff, outstretched leg. begin to mobilize fat into the bloodstream and
Usually, the horse can eventually "unlock" the then to the liver to process into energy. This
patella by backing up. In some extreme cases, fat accumulation can cause liver swelling and
both hind limbs are affected and the Mini stands reduced liver function, failure and death. Any Mini
parked out and unable to move forward. that is off feed for 24 hours is at risk. Signs include
Treatment includes blistering, splitting or cutting anorexia, fever, colic, diarrhea, jaundice, head-
the medial patellar ligament that connects the pressing and circling. The mortality rate is 60-
kneecap to the tibia below. 100%, so swift intervention and treatment is key.

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