title: Mineralization of the Equine Palmar/Plantar Annular Ligament Treated by Surgical Resection.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To document the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of mineralization of the equine palmar/plantar annular ligament (PAL).
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ponies (n=7).
  
  
  METHODS
  Case records from 2 referral hospitals were examined to identify cases with lameness associated with PAL mineralization treated surgically. Follow-up information was obtained from the owners by telephone questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Duration of lameness before referral ranged from 5 weeks to 6 months, and degree of lameness from grade 1 to 5 out of 10. In 3 cases, records noted obvious pain when pressure was applied over the PAL. Pain resulting in lameness was localized to this area and all cases were treated surgically, although the extent of resected tissue varied among cases. Histological examination of resected tissue (4 cases) revealed fibrocartilaginous and/or osseous metaplasia. Following surgery, 6 of the 7 ponies became sound.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on this limited case series, surgical treatment for mineralization of the PAL offers a favorable success rate without severe complications where conservative methods have failed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Elaine R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Garvican
authors.affiliation: Rossdales Equine Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Suffolk, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Claire E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Wylie
authors.affiliation: Rossdales Equine Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Suffolk, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Payne
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Roger K W
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: Rossdales Equine Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Suffolk, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Marcus J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Head
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies