A premature foal, who was born with significant limb deformities that left her unable to stand, is responding well to a collaborative veterinary and farrier-led rehabilitation programme. Penelope Pitstop endured a challenging start to life. Not only did she have to deal with severely deformed legs, but she was also orphaned within 12 hours of being born.Owner Nick Cadman found her a foster mare and Twemlows Stud Farm in Shropshire helped the mare to foster Penelope which increased her chances of survival. She was referred to Little Rock Equine Vets in Staffordshire for her limb deformities where equine vet Shelley Cook took on her case.Slim chance of survivalPenelope had a traumatic entrance into the world. Normally, when foals are born this premature, coupled with the severity of issues, their chances of survival are very slim, said Shelley.Penelope was suffering from severe contraction of the extensor tendons, and severe laxity of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) at the back of the cannon in her front legs, coupled with incomplete ossification.Its not uncommon for foals to be born a little weak or wobbly, but this was unlike anything we had seen before. She couldnt stand properly and her front feet were pointing to heaven.When we took X-rays, the picture was even worse than we had expected, and the advice was that euthanasia might be the kindest option because her chances of survival were so limited. But we knew we had to try.An x-ray of Penelope Pitstops leg.Bespoke treatment planShelley worked closely with Nick and local farrier Henry Tracy to develop a bespoke treatment plan which involved reshaping and correcting Penelopes feet gradually while supporting her fetlocks. When I was presented with Penelope, I knew straight away it wasnt going to be straightforward. It was far from it, said Henry.I knew that to correct the severe deformity was going to be a major undertaking with a very guarded prognosis.The team experimented with different materials and designs to create a device that was light enough for Penelope but strong enough to provide the required support.The device effectively provided continuous physiotherapy, helping to stretch the contracted structures at the front of the limb while supporting the lax structures behind it.At one stage, the team extended Penelopes foot length by eight inches as part of the effort to gradually correct the deformity.Front leg extension.Constant changes and adaptionsAs Penelope was rapidly growing, the device had to be regularly reviewed and adapted. Weight, flexibility and durability were all factors, and we also had to take into account the softness of the foals feet and the risk of pressure-related complications, said Shelley.We invest a lot of time in working closely with local farriers and in continuing their professional development, and this case really demonstrates the value of that.Penelope needed a tailored approach, and that was only possible because the right team was around her from the beginning.Fully investedPenelope is now standing and happily running around the field. It is hoped she will start showjumping as a four-year-old.Shelley and Henry have been outstanding. Theyve been fully invested in Penelope from day one and their skill, persistence and attention to detail have made all the difference, said Nick.Her front limbs are now very close to where they should be for her age, and to see her standing correctly on all four limbs after where she started is remarkable. Were delighted with the progress shes made.Nick, Henry and Shelley with Penelope Pitstop.Images Little Equine Rock Vets.The post Premature foal defies the odds after complex limb rehabilitation appeared first on Your Horse.