"Forelimb conformation receives lots of attention because of perceived predisposition to injury (with various conformational problems)," began Liz Santschi, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, clinical associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, at the Western Veterinary Conference held Feb. 20-25 in Las Vegas, Nev.

Thoroughbred Foals

She discussed a conformation study that she is planning to submit for publication. In her study, nearly all racing-bred Thoroughbred foals were carpus valgus (knock-kneed) at birth, many toed out, and a few had offset knees. But at about 18 months of age, nearly two-thirds had offset knees and the incidence of knock knees had dropped by a large margin. Less than 10% had completely straight forelimbs at any age, and more than half had more than one conformational deviation.

Another finding was that heavier birth weight of the foal was associated with offset carpal conformation at every age