Surgically repairing or stabilizing fractured ribs in a newborn foal can reduce the risk of further complications such as puncturing a vital organ, said Robert Hunt, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, and Fairfield Bain DVM, MBA, Dipl. ACVIM, ACVP, ACVECC. The practitioners explained two methods of repair on Oct. 20 at the Hagyard Bluegrass Equine Symposium 2005 held in Lexington, Ky.

Hunt said foals often sustain greenstick fractures (a fracture that is held in place by connective tissue) while traveling through the birth canal. A foal’s ribcage folds in on itself during birthing to allow passage through the birth canal. Once through the canal the ribcage reverts to its normal position. During this period, the foal might sustain a greenstick fracture. “These typically involve the left side and involve the third through sixth ribs,” Hunt said.

“In many cases following a dystocia (difficult birth), the foal’s ribs sustain a greenstick fracture, but they are initially not displaced,” Bain explained. Additionally, over-aggressiveness by a veterinarian or caretaker who rushes to pull a foal before the birth canal is properly dilated can cause greenstick fractures. Ribs are then displaced while the foal is stumbling to get to his feet.

Palpating the fractured rib can be difficult for veterinarians. Many times the fracture is not evident on first exam because it might not be displaced yet. Ultrasound machines are utilized to detect fractures and small fragments of the bone in the chest cavity