Methods of treating musculoskeletal deformities in quadruped animals

Deformity

[0045]A 3 month old walking horse colt that had developed an increased pastern angle bilaterally. The colt was otherwise healthy with no other evidence of leg disease or discomfort. He was beginning to exhibit changes in shape of his hoof including the development of a more cylindrical hoof.

[0046]50 U of Botox® botulinum toxin type A was divided into the bilateral superficial digital flexor muscles. 12.5 U aliquots were administered through 4 injections at 4 sites on each side.

[0047]The horse tolerated the procedure well with no adverse effects noted. The horse was monitored daily showing no signs of adverse effects. The pastern angle stabilized and the horse remains functional with steep pastern angles and low heels.

Deformity

[0048]A one-year old thoroughbred colt exhibited normal orthopedic development until approximately 6 months of age when he exhibited a steepening of the pastern angle associated with posterior displacement of the knee. Examination showed no other abnormalities.

[0049]The horse received a total of 200 U of Botox® botulinum toxin type A administered in 25 unit aliquots divided evenly between the bilateral deep digital flexor muscles (DDF). The horse tolerated the procedure well with no adverse effects noted. At 2 weeks post injection, no further deterioration was observed. The horse entered race training and has performed in normal duties.

Deformity

[0050]A four-month old thoroughbred filly developed an increasing pastern angle, increased hoof angle, and “back in the knee” unilaterally. The horse was otherwise healthy with no evidence of underlying hoof or leg disease.

[0051]The filly received 75 U of Botox® botulinum toxin type A in the DDF. This was administered in 25 U aliquots at 3 injection sites in the DDF. The horse tolerated the procedure well with no adverse effects noted. At two weeks post injection the filly showed no deterioration in orthopedic alignment and no gait abnormalities. At 8 months of age the angles had returned to a normal conformation. The filly is currently in race training.