Laurel
Laurel was rescued in October 2025 to prevent her from entering the slaughter pipeline. She was lame and signs of past injury(ies) were evident.
The veterinary exam indicated that she is about 15 years old with visible and palpable remodeling of the left front distal dorsomedial carpus. She showed the lameness more when attempting to trot. Flexion range of motion (ROM) in the carpus is reduced about 40%.
Laurel showed significant pain in the left front leg with compensating issues elsewhere resulting from trying to alleviate pain from the injured leg joint.
X-rays substantiated the presence of a former septic carpus that then fulminated with resorptive and proliferative bony remodeling with time and neglect.
X-rays: the distal metacarpal-carpal joint shows definitive evidence of a previous septic joint infection, osteoarthritic remodeling with severe bony resorption in the cubital bones and proliferative lesions throughout the carpus that cross joint spaces.
There are several areas of lost arterial cartilage as evidenced by narrowing of joint spaces. This is a crippling injury and presents a poor quality of life.
Laurel was humanely euthanized to end her pain and suffering which had no chance for management or improvement.
More About Laurel
- In Assessment
- Liver Chestnut
- Mare
- 2010
- QH
- Colorado