Desmotomy for treatment of chronic desmitis of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon in a horse.
- Case Reports
- Journal Article
Summary
This research paper describes a case where chronic lameness in a horse was successfully treated by performing a surgical procedure known as desmotomy, along with removal of adhesions and controlled exercise during recovery.
Case Presentation
The study focuses on a case where a horse was diagnosed with chronic lameness. The cause of the lameness was identified as:
- Desmitis of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon
- Adhesions associated with these two structures
Diagnosis
The team concluded that the chronic lameness was due to desmitis, or inflammation of a ligament, in this case, the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon. Desmitis is a common condition in horses that can cause lameness. In addition to desmitis, adhesions or abnormal unions of membranous surfaces due to inflammation or injury were also present, leading to pain and discomfort for the horse.
Treatment
After diagnosing the problem, the team performed a desmotomy, a surgical procedure that involves cutting the ligament to relieve tension or pressure. Along with the desmotomy, they also performed resections of adhesions that had formed between the ligament and tendon. Both of these procedures aimed to alleviate the chronic lameness and improve the horse’s comfort and mobility.
Post-Treatment & Recover
Under the team’s care, the horse also received controlled exercise during its convalescence. This would have helped to gradually rebuild the strength and resilience of the ligament and tendon, as well as improve overall joint mobility and function. Importantly, this controlled exercise program also reduces the risk of new adhesions forming during the horse’s recovery.
Outcome
The treatment, which comprised of desmotomy, resection of adhesions, and controlled exercise, was hailed a success. Following convalescence, the horse was reported to return to normal use without apparent lameness, demonstrating the effectiveness of these combined therapeutic approaches in treating chronic lameness caused by desmitis of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon and associated adhesions.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Large Animal Surgery and Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama 36849-5522, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses
- Lameness, Animal / etiology
- Lameness, Animal / physiopathology
- Ligaments / diagnostic imaging
- Ligaments / pathology
- Ligaments / surgery
- Male
- Physical Therapy Modalities / methods
- Prognosis
- Tendinopathy / complications
- Tendinopathy / surgery
- Tendinopathy / veterinary
- Tendons / diagnostic imaging
- Tendons / pathology
- Tendons / surgery
- Tissue Adhesions / complications
- Tissue Adhesions / surgery
- Tissue Adhesions / veterinary
- Treatment Outcome
- Ultrasonography
References
- Wagner PC, Grant BD, Kaneps AJ, Watrous BJ. Long-term results of desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (distal check ligament) in horses.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1985 Dec 15;187(12):1351-3.
- Dyson SJ. Desmitis of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon: 27 cases (1986-1990).. Equine Vet J 1991 Nov;23(6):438-44.
- Stick JA, Nickels FA, Williams MA. Long-term effects of desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor muscle in standardbreds: 23 cases (1979-1989).. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1992 Apr 15;200(8):1131-2.
- Dyson SJ, Dik KJ. Miscellaneous conditions of tendons, tendon sheaths, and ligaments.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 1995 Aug;11(2):315-37.
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Spaas JH, Guest DJ, Van de Walle GR. Tendon regeneration in human and equine athletes: Ubi Sumus-Quo Vadimus (where are we and where are we going to)?. Sports Med 2012 Oct 1;42(10):871-90.
