Angular limb deformities in foals are not created equal. Yet, corrections can be made with quick and appropriate farriery and veterinary intervention.

After nearly a half-century of hoof-care experience, including 2 decades as the head farrier at the University of California Veterinary School in Davis, Kirk Adkins has considerable experience with angular limb deformities, particularly in Thoroughbred foals.

“There are certain things that you have to understand that you can do and certain things that you cannot do that are not amenable to any kind of treatment,” says the Vacaville, Calif., farrier.

Angular limb deformities are limb deviations in the medio-lateral plane. There are three types: valgus, varus and windswept. When valgus, the distal segment deviates laterally. When varus, the distal segment deviates medially. And when windswept, paired limbs deviate one valgus and one varus. The condition can be the result of: premature birth; twin pregnancy; laxity of the ligaments surrounding the joints; or developmental factors such as poor nutrition, too much exercise or trauma.

Carpal valgus is an outward (lateral) deviation of the limb from the…