1. Angular limb deformities
These are deviations from a limb’s normal axis as viewed from the front or
behind. Minis are often born with (in other words, it’s congenital) severely
crooked legs, which can cause difficulty walking, abnormal hoof wear, and
discomfort. Surgery can correct some deformities.
2. Upward fixation of the
patella
With this condition, the patella (kneecap), which is part of the stifle joint,
gets hung up on the femur’s medial trochlea (a protrusion on the inner part,
above the patella) and “locks” the stifle in extension—basically, this looks
like a stiff, outstretched leg. Usually, the horse can eventually “unlock” the
patella by backing up. In some extreme cases both hind limbs are affected and
the Mini stands parked out and unable to move forward. Treatment includes
blistering, splitting, or cutting the medial patellar ligament that connects the
kneecap to the tibia below.
3.Luxated patella
This can cause a similar stance as upward fixated 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 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 pass with fluids and mineral oil, but most cases require
surgical removal.
8. Hyperlipidemia/Hepatic
lipidosis
Minis store fat easily. If they go off feed or are stressed due to pregnancy,
lactation, or disease, their bodies begin to mobilize fat into the bloodstream
and then to the liver to process into energy. This fat accumulation can cause
liver swelling and reduced liver function, failure, and death. Any Mini that is
off feed for 24 hours is at risk. Signs include anorexia, fever, colic,
diarrhea, jaundice, head-pressing, and circling. The mortality rate is 60-100%,
so swift intervention and treatment is key....
read more
here.
9.Obesity
Minis have evolved to be very efficient at utilizing minimal amounts of
calories. Most do not require grain, yet overfeeding is common. Offer hay at
1.5-2% of each horse’s body weight per day, minimize grazing, and use muzzles as
necessary.
10. Dystocia
Due to the discrepancy between Mini mare pelvic size and fetal head size,
dystocia (difficult birth) is common. Veterinarians often perform a cesarean
section....read more about this here.
11. Dwarfism
The two most common types of this genetic condition are achondroplasia (short
limbs) and diastrophia (twisted limbs). Achondroplastic dwarfs usually get
around well and live normal lives. Diastrophic dwarfs have multiple limb
deformities, domed heads, and roached backs, and they generally need support,
including splints or surgery, to move properly....
You can read more about dwarfism HERE including an archived transcript of
our ground breaking Webinar with John Eberth -provided exclusively by Lil Beginnings on November 6th through the 30th of 2007.
12. Anterior segment
dysgenesis (ASD)
In this condition, certain parts of the eye, such as the cornea, iris, lens,
ciliary body, and retina, do not develop normally. One of the most common and
apparent abnormalities is an enlarged cornea that gives the eyes a “bugged-out”
look. Horses with ASD are at increased risk for vision loss....read
more about this here.
Owning Miniature Horses can be a fun venture as long as you are armed with the
information you need to be prepared for and care for their special needs.
Credits
Published by
Sallie S. Hyman, VMD, Dipl. ACVIM, CVA on TheHorse.com
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Angular Limb Deformities, Articles, Dental Problems, Enteroliths, Genetics, Hindlimb, Lower Limb, miniature-horse, Musculoskeletal System, Obesity, Smaller Breeds