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Aseptic tenosynovitis of the carpal flexor sheath caused by rupture of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon.

Abstract: A mare was evaluated for acute left forelimb lameness with effusion of the carpal flexor sheath. No osseous abnormalities were noted during radiographic examination. Significant disruption of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon was seen during ultrasonographic examination. Carpal sheath effusion and lameness resolved after medical treatment. Une jument a été évaluée pour une boiterie aiguë de la patte avant gauche avec effusion de la gaine du fléchisseur carpien. Aucune anomalie osseuse n’a été observée durant l’examen radiographique. Une perturbation importante du ligament accessoire du tendon fléchisseur digital profond a été constatée durant l’échographie. L’effusion de la gaine carpienne et la boiterie se sont résorbées après un traitement médical.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).
Publication Date: 2013-10-25 PubMed ID: 24155477PubMed Central: PMC3711165
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Summary

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This study examines a case of a horse suffering from acute lameness in its left forelimb due to the rupture of an accessory ligament in the deep digital flexor tendon and how the issue was resolved through medical treatment.

Overview of the Research

  • The research paper presents a case study of a horse, specifically, a mare that was experiencing a severe lameness issue in her left forelimb. The cause of the lameness was an overflow (effusion) of the sheath that houses the flexor tenons in the carpal (wrist) region.
  • To diagnose the problem, the researchers conducted a clinical examination and radiography. The radiography did not reveal any abnormalities in the bones, leading the researchers to perform an ultrasonographic examination.

Findings of the Ultrasonographic Examination

  • In the ultrasonographic examination, a significant disruption was observed in the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon in the horse’s leg. These flexor tendons allow for flexion of the digit and they play a vital role in a horse’s locomotion. The disruption of the ligament was the primary reason behind the acute lameness.

Treatment and Rehabilitation

  • Following the diagnosis, a treatment plan was implemented to address the discomfort and inflammation caused by the rupture. The paper does not provide a detailed description of the medical treatment.
  • After the medical treatment, the swelling (effusion) in the carpal sheath of the horse was noticeably reduced and the horse’s lameness issue was significantly improved. This indicates that the medical treatment was successful in resolving the issue.

Concluding Thoughts

  • This paper provides valuable insights into equine lameness caused by the disruption of an accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon. It also highlights the role of ultrasonographic examination in the diagnosis of tendon and ligament injuries when no bone abnormalities can be found with radiography.
  • The successful resolution of the horse’s lameness following medical treatment signals the potential of such treatments in similar cases. However, a more detailed description of the treatment plan would have been beneficial for practitioners aiming to address similar issues in the future.

Cite This Article

APA
Taintor J, Caldwell F, Almond G. (2013). Aseptic tenosynovitis of the carpal flexor sheath caused by rupture of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon. Can Vet J, 54(8), 765-768.

Publication

ISSN: 0008-5286
NlmUniqueID: 0004653
Country: Canada
Language: English
Volume: 54
Issue: 8
Pages: 765-768

Researcher Affiliations

Taintor, Jennifer
  • Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, 1500 Wire Road, Auburn University, Alabama 36849 USA.
Caldwell, Fred
    Almond, Gregory

      MeSH Terms

      • Administration, Topical
      • Animals
      • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / administration & dosage
      • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
      • Diclofenac / administration & dosage
      • Diclofenac / therapeutic use
      • Female
      • Forelimb / pathology
      • Horse Diseases / pathology
      • Horse Diseases / therapy
      • Horses
      • Hydrotherapy / veterinary
      • Lameness, Animal / diagnosis
      • Ligaments / injuries
      • Tenosynovitis / pathology
      • Tenosynovitis / therapy
      • Tenosynovitis / veterinary

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      Citations

      This article has been cited 2 times.
      1. Chanda M, Klinphayom C, Sungsuwan T, Senarat W, Thongkham E, Kamlangdee A, Senarat N. Diagnostic imaging features, cytological examination, and treatment of lymphocytic tenosynovitis of the common digital extensor tendon sheath in an eventing horse. Vet Anim Sci 2021 Dec;14:100209.
        doi: 10.1016/j.vas.2021.100209pubmed: 34632158google scholar: lookup
      2. Eren G, López-Albors O, Guilabert Segura R, Jordan Montesinos J, Latorre R. Accessory Ligament of the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon of the Horse Forelimb and Its Relationship with the Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon: A Plastination, Histological, and Morphometry Study. Animals (Basel) 2024 Oct 14;14(20).
        doi: 10.3390/ani14202952pubmed: 39457884google scholar: lookup