Abstract

An 8-day-old female Shetland pony was referred to the Jeonbuk animal medical center for evaluation of bilateral hindlimb lameness. The foal had been severely lame in the both hind leg since birth. The luxation of the patella was confirmed on physical examinations. During the operation, extensive soft tissue damage and hemorrhage were observed around the medial patellar ligament. Lateral patellar luxation was surgically repaired using lateral release of the patella and medial imbrication of the joint capsule. Follow up revealed that lameness improved during postoperative period. It was concluded that patella luxation as a traumatic cause of lameness in foals can be corrected by surgical techniques successfully.

Key words: Lateral patellar luxation, surgery, shetland pony, foal, stifle.