Desmitis of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon in the horse: clinical and ultrasonographic features. A report of 24 cases.

The researchers explored the clinical and ultrasonographic features of an inflammation condition, specifically desmitis, on a ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon in horses and found that it has a guarded prognosis.

Introduction and Objectives

• This study aimed at investigating the clinical and ultrasonographic presentations of desmitis, which is an inflammation condition, particularly in an accessory ligament – the deep digital flexor tendon or the carpal check ligament – of horses.

Methods and Observations

• The researchers evaluated 24 horses, specifically Warmblood riding horses between the ages of 6 and 18 years, with the average age being 11.3 years. These horses exhibited lameness linked to the carpal check ligament.
• Clinically, the most noticeable feature was solid, painful swelling on either side (medially and laterally) in the proximal and/or mid metacarpal region. These symptoms are in line with the oblique direction of the carpal check ligament.
• Using sonography, they noted common swelling of the carpal check ligament, wherein the inflamed ligament typically showed a type 1-2 texture. In a few instances, a more localized lesion featuring a type 3-4 texture was present.
• Approximately 40% of the horses also had extra lesions on either of the other flexor tendons or ligaments in the metacarpal region.

Results and Conclusion

• Most of the horses underwent conservative treatment, which involved resting in a box stall and/or adhering to a controlled exercise regimen.
• Of the 19 horses that were followed up on over a period of 1-36 months, only 3 managed to return to full work.
• The researchers concluded that the prognosis of this particular injury is guarded, suggesting that the recovery rate and outlook for horses dealing with this type of injury are limited or uncertain.