Use of a Grading System to Facilitate Treatment and Prognosis in Horses with Negative Palmar Angle Syndrome (Heel Collapse): 107 Cases

Negative palmar angle syndrome refers to the condition of progressive heel collapse and its consequences on gait and performance. Treatment and prognosis are facilitated by grading the severity of biomechanical disorder according to physical and radiographic features. Although negative palmar angle syndrome in grades I (mild) and II (moderate) can be corrected with trimming and routine shoeing, grades III (severe) and IV (complicated by flexor contracture) require more intensive mechanical intervention and patience—however, comfort and function can be improved immediately.