Plan of Action

	In order to diagnose our patient, we need to first consider the history and clinical 
signs presented.  These supported our initial three hypotheses, two of which involve radial 
nerve damage and another which involves the fracture of the olecranon.  To differentiate 
among these three, we would like to start with an orthopedic exam of the entire limb.  The 
main purpose of this exam is to locate any sites of fracture, focusing on swelling and 
crepitation.  Included in the orthopedic exam are radiographs done under light sedation.  
Both lateral-medial and dorsal-palmar views of the ulna and radius should be taken as well 
as a flexed lateral to visualize the olecranon for possible fractures.  If the olecranon is 
fractured, we expect to see a non-displaced, incomplete fracture.  Lateral-medial and dorsal-
palmar views should be taken of the humerus as well to rule out any possible fractures that 
have damaged the radial nerve.  We would expect this fracture to be complete.  On any of 
these radiographs, we may see diffuse soft tissue swelling.  If no fractures are present, the 
radiographs would support hypotheses three.  If indicated and money permits, a bone scan 
would rule out any stress fractures of the humerus that could have damaged the radial nerve 
as well.  Once radiographs have been taken and the presence or absence of a fracture has 
been determined, a neurology exam should be done to determine if nerve damage is present.  
The radial nerve supplies the extensors of the elbow, carpus, and digits.  As it branches into 
the superficial and deep branches of the forearm, the superficial branch supplies the skin of 
the craniolateral forearm.  Thus, part of our neurology exam would be to check the 
sensation on the craniolateral surface of the forearm.  We expect sensation to be present if 
there is no nerve damage, and no sensation to be present if there is nerve damage.
	In conjunction with these exams and imaging techniques, we would also like to run 
bloodwork to look at the leukocyte parameters.  Depending upon the leukogram present, we 
can determine if sepsis has occurred.  We do not expect to find sepsis because the foal does 
not appear to have any other clinical signs.  However, we would like to rule it out.