On examination, marked effusion and swelling was present in the fetlock. Radiographs revealed a longitudinal fracture of the first phalangeal bone (fetlock bone) extending from the joint surface in the fetlock all the way down the bone to a few millimeters from the pastern joint.  Fortunately for Squeak the fracture did not connect with the pastern or it probably would have displaced with disastrous consequences.

The critical issue when dealing with this type of injury is to provide immediate and rigid stabilization of the limb until surgery can be performed.  Squeak had a "bandage cast" applied consisting of a padded gamgee bandage with fiberglass casting tape wrapped around it. Multiple layers of casting tape were used to provide a rigid cast which would prevent any flexion or bending of the leg from the hock down.

Squeak was transported to a referral hospital where surgery was performed.  Three cortical bone screws were used in a "lag" fashion to compress and stabilize the fracture.  Excellent reduction of the fracture was achieved and we're hoping that a full recovery should be possible with a return to show jumping.