What are the causes and signs of pelvic fractures and what are the chances of recovery?
More articles on fractures Find an equine vet Pelvic fractures can occur in a variety of ways, but the most common is as a result of direct trauma. This can be due to a bad fall, a road traffic accident or a horse struggling in a stable after being cast. The other type of pelvic fracture, which is seen exclusively in horses used for fast, athletic purposes, occurs as a result of stress to the pelvis. Do you suspect a pelvic fracture? A horse who has suffered an injury to the pelvis may show some of the following signs: An alteration of stride length: a horse with a previous pelvic injury will often take a shorter step on the affected side. By compensating for a muscle imbalance, the horse may also take a shorter step with the diagonal foreleg Asymmetry of the pelvis: this is usually obvious and can be seen by standing directly behind the horse Abnormal swelling and/or wasting of the affected limb A reluctance or inability to cross legs when asked to turn on a tight circle: the horse ma
