Foals born with severe incomplete ossification, or bones in their leg joints that did not fully develop before birth, face a grim future—either they will likely develop juvenile arthritis, which causes extreme pain, or they will be euthanized.

During the summer of 2016, a newborn colt named Napoleon came to the MSU Veterinary Medical Center with severe incomplete ossification. Dr. Elizabeth Carr, associate chair and associate hospital director for large animal clinical programs, decided to take a proactive approach. After allowing Napoleon’s bones to develop, she started rehabilitating Napoleon in the underwater treadmill.

Napoleon’s progress is indicative of a successful outcome, and this treatment could be used to help other foals. Dr. Carr’s goal is to design a protocol to determine effective use of hydrotherapy for patients, potentially preventing crippling arthritis and saving lives.