Desmopathy of the collateral ligaments of the equine distal interphalangeal joint – a prevalence in Poland between 2016-2019.

This research examines the prevalence of desmopathy (disease of ligament) in the collateral ligaments of the horse’s interphalangeal joint in Poland between 2016 and 2019. Diagnosed in 14% of horses using MRI, it often occurred alongside other changes in the horse’s anatomical digit.

Study Aim and Background

• The study intended to retroactively determine the prevalence of this specific ligament condition in horses within Poland over the span of three years (2016-2019).
• Desmopathy refers to ligament diseases or issues and in this context, it specifically refers to issues with the collateral ligaments of the horse’s distal interphalangeal (between the finger bones) joint.
• The condition is prompted by multiple factors like the shape of the horse’s hoof, excessive load on the limb and the nature of the ground surface on which the animal moves.

Research Findings

• Of 152 horses examined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 14% were diagnosed with this ligament condition.
• Pertaining to those diagnosed with desmopathy, 64% also had observable changes in their digit (finger or toe), suggesting that desmopathy could often be associated with other health considerations or anatomical changes.
• In 36% of the diagnosed cases, desmopathy was the only problem detected, implying that this sometimes occurs as a singular health issue in horses.

Diagnostic Challenges

• The study emphasized the diagnostic challenges faced when identifying this condition due to the generic indications of perineural analgesia (pain relief treatment related to nerve disorders) and limits of currently popular imaging methods like radiography and ultrasonography.
• Desmopathy of the collateral ligaments is not often recognized as a pathology in the horse’s distal limb, further adding to the challenge in diagnosis.

Implications

• These findings bring attention to the caution required in formulating a final diagnosis, prognosis, and options for treatment for this under-reported and complex health issue in horses.