Clinical Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcome Analysis of a Horse with Proximal Sesamoid Bone Fracture Complicated by Flexor Tendinitis.
Abstract: With the growing popularity of equestrian sports, the incidence of athletic injuries in horses has also risen. Among these injuries, proximal sesamoid bone fracture (PSBF) and flexor tendinitis are particularly common in the forelimbs of sport horses and represent major causes of musculoskeletal impairment. A 5-year-old horse presented with obvious symptoms such as swelling at the left fetlock joint and metacarpal region after exercise. Through lameness assessment, diagnostic imaging, and hematological testing, the horse was diagnosed with PSBF complicated by flexor tendinitis. The affected horse was treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs combined with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) therapy. After treatment, local microcirculation at the fracture and flexor tendon sites was improved, tissue healing was accelerated, and clinical indicators were stabilized. This case report demonstrates the potential of LIPUS-assisted therapy in promoting the recovery of horses with PSBF and concurrent flexor tendinitis, providing a valuable clinical reference for the management of complex musculoskeletal injuries in veterinary practice.
Publication Date: 2026-01-02 PubMed ID: 41600695PubMed Central: PMC12846522DOI: 10.3390/vetsci13010040Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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Overview
- This study reports on the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of a horse suffering from a proximal sesamoid bone fracture (PSBF) complicated by flexor tendinitis.
- The research highlights the successful use of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) therapy alongside conventional medication to improve healing.
Introduction and Background
- The popularity of equestrian sports has led to an increase in athletic injuries in horses, especially those involving the limbs.
- Proximal sesamoid bone fractures and flexor tendinitis are prevalent injuries that commonly occur in the forelimbs of sport horses.
- Both conditions significantly impair musculoskeletal function and performance in affected horses.
Case Presentation
- A 5-year-old horse exhibited notable swelling in the left fetlock joint and metacarpal region following exercise, indicating injury.
- Clinical evaluation involved:
- Lameness assessment to determine the severity and impact on movement.
- Diagnostic imaging (likely X-rays or ultrasound) to visualize the skeletal and soft tissue damage.
- Hematological testing to assess the inflammatory response and overall health status.
- The diagnosis concluded the presence of a proximal sesamoid bone fracture complicated by flexor tendinitis, a combination that complicates healing and treatment.
Treatment Approach
- The horse was administered non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) therapy was employed as an adjunctive treatment to enhance healing.
- LIPUS is believed to improve local microcirculation, which is crucial for delivering nutrients and oxygen needed for tissue repair.
- The combined treatment aimed to:
- Accelerate tissue healing processes.
- Reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Stabilize clinical symptoms and restore limb function.
Outcomes and Implications
- The therapy led to improved blood flow in both the fractured bone and the inflamed flexor tendon areas.
- Tissue regeneration and healing were promoted, as evidenced by reduced clinical signs and improved functional stability.
- This case demonstrates the practical benefits of incorporating LIPUS into treatment protocols for complex musculoskeletal injuries in horses.
- The findings provide valuable clinical guidance for veterinarians dealing with similar orthopedic and tendon injuries, suggesting a safe and effective treatment option.
Conclusion
- This research illustrates how combining conventional drug therapy with LIPUS can enhance recovery in horses with difficult-to-treat forelimb injuries.
- The case report contributes to veterinary medicine by showcasing innovative rehabilitation techniques that may improve outcomes in equine sports medicine.
Cite This Article
APA
Zhang Z, Yang Y, Ma Y, Mai Z, Fu H, Wang X, Cao X, Li T, Li J, Guo Q.
(2026).
Clinical Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcome Analysis of a Horse with Proximal Sesamoid Bone Fracture Complicated by Flexor Tendinitis.
Vet Sci, 13(1), 40.
https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13010040 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Development for Herbivorous (XJ-LNDRDH), College of Animal Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Development for Herbivorous (XJ-LNDRDH), College of Animal Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- Xingjiang Zhaosu County Xiyu Horse Industry Co., Ltd., Yili 835600, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Development for Herbivorous (XJ-LNDRDH), College of Animal Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Development for Herbivorous (XJ-LNDRDH), College of Animal Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Development for Herbivorous (XJ-LNDRDH), College of Animal Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Development for Herbivorous (XJ-LNDRDH), College of Animal Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Development for Herbivorous (XJ-LNDRDH), College of Animal Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Development for Herbivorous (XJ-LNDRDH), College of Animal Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Development for Herbivorous (XJ-LNDRDH), College of Animal Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
Grant Funding
- ZYYD2023C03-3, 202301-202412 / Department of Science and Technology of the Autonomous Region - Special Fund for Central Government-Guided Local Science and Technology Development: Integrated Innovation and Application of Key Technologies for the Prevention and Control of Major Equine D
- 2022A02013-2-7 / Major Science and Technology Special Project of the Autonomous Region: Key Technology Research and Development for the Xinjiang Horse Industry, subproject: Development of Diagnostic Methods and Comprehensive Prevention and Control Technologies for Common
- 20221201-20251231 / Major Science and Technology Special Project of the Autonomous Region: Key Technology Research and Development for the Xinjiang Horse Industry, subproject: Development of Diagnostic Methods and Comprehensive Prevention and Control Technologies for Common
- 2022A02013-2-7 / Major Science and Technology Project of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
- 2024A02005-2-3 / Major Science and Technology Project of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
- ZYYD2023C03-3 / Central Government-guided Local Science and Technology Development Project
Conflict of Interest Statement
Author Yuhui Ma was employed by the company Xingjiang Zhaosu County Xiyu Horse Industry Co., Ltd. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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