Physiological and behavioural considerations for managing horses with tail disorders

Ashraf M. Abu- Seida

Rijkenhuizen and van der Harst ( 2024 ) report the diagnosis and effective treatment of a unique case of an angular deviation of the tail to the left in a 1- week- old Warmblood female foal. The foal had a growth deformity of coccygeal vertebrae 6 and 7. The angular deviation was surgically corrected using transphyseal screws with hemicircumferential periosteal transection and elevation on the left side of both vertebrae and the insertion of a temporary external fixator with a distracted end. The deviation was decreased to around 10 degrees deviance, and the owner was pleased with the outcome. There has been no loss of sensory or motor function. Keeping the horse’s tail function is highly crucial following management of the tail disorders because it serves as an essential communication hub, transmitting signals regarding mood, health, energy, and mobility. This clinical commentary will explore the physiological and behavioural considerations for managing horses with tail disorders.