Explanation of facts:

1. Swollen right hind fetlock: this pinpoints where the foal is hurting and can help the 
veterinarian narrow down the types of problems the foal could be suffering from.
2. Foal is very lame on the right hind and refuses to use it: this reveals that the foal has a 
non-weight bearing lameness which is usually more severe and acute than a chronic 
lameness.
3. Owner thinks mare stepped on the foalÕs leg: gives the veterinarian a starting place 
for probable cause of injury. Indicates a history of truama.
4. Female  Thoroughbred: itÕs always good to know the breed of an animal so that you 
can investigate potential breed related problems.
5. 2 weeks old: this could indicate that the foal is suffering from a congenital issue. 
Also, young animals tend to have softer and less durable bones making them more 
prone to injury.
6. Owner has observed no other problems other than the lameness and the foal is nursing 
normally: this suggests that the foal is healthy otherwise and would help discredit any 
systemic illnesses.
7. Mare is up-to-date on vaccinations and deworming: this indicates that the foal is 
probably in relatively good health and received good colostral immunity.
8. Foal hasnÕt been vaccinated yet: this is to be expected because the foal is too young to 
be vaccinated. SheÕs  still using maternal immunity.
9. Foal and mare are part of a small herd: could indicate that the foal was playing with 
other foals present or that another horse couldÕve caused the injury.
10. Foal is bright and alert: this is a good indicator of a healthy animal.
11. All systems  and TPR appear normal besides the musculoskeletal system: helps 
further pinpoint to the problem and the veterinarian can begin to hone in her hind 
limb lameness.
12. Foal is toe touching lamb on right rear limb: this indicates that the foal is at least 
using the leg somewhat.
13. Soft tissue swelling (pitting edema) starting 12 cm proximal to the fetlock and 
extending just distal to it: this helps could indicate trauma and soft tissue injury.
14. Foal resents palpation of the area of soft tissue swelling: tells the veterinarian that it 
hurts!
15. You find no foreign body in the foot nor does foal resent exam with hoof testers: this 
indicates that the problem is not in the hoof.
16. Following your manipulation of the fetlock region, the foal is more lame and doesnÕt 
put her foot on the ground: Indicates that the exam exacerbated and already painful 
fetlock. This would go along with a soft tissue injury that was made more painful by 
manipulation.
17. You notice no instability or crepidence upon palpation of the fetlock: this would help 
discredit a major arthritic changes, support structure laxity, or fracture.