Digital flexor tendon lacerations in horses: 50 cases (1975-1990).

The research article discusses the outcomes of treating digital flexor tendon lacerations in 50 horses. The study aimed to determine if there was a correlation between the injury or treatment methods and the result. It was found that the majority of horses survived and returned to their original roles, regardless of the treatment methodology or severity of their tendon laceration.

Study Overview and Methodology

• The study examined medical records of 50 horses that had lacerations of either the superficial or deep digital flexor tendon.
• The patients ranged in age from 1.5 years to 15 years, with the median age being 4.5 years.
• The median follow-up time was 5 years post-injury, with a range from 1.5 to 16 years.

Type of Tendon Damage and Survival Rate

• Survival was defined as being alive more than one year post-injury.
• Of the horses that had either tendon transected, 12 out of 16 survived.
• Out of the horses that had both tendons transected, 13 out of 16 survived.
• For horses presenting with partial tendon disruptions of either or both tendons, 14 out of 18 survived.

Recovery and Return to Function

• 39 horses survived in total, with 27 returning to their original roles following recovery.
• 32 horses were sound for riding after their injuries.
• Nine horses with one or both tendons trasected could participate in athletic activities again.

Treatment Methods and Outcomes

• Lacerated tendons were sutured in 16 horses, and out of these, 15 survived.
• In 34 cases, tendons were not sutured; of this group, 24 horses survived.

Outcome Associations

• The study did not find a discernable correlation between outcome and tendon sheath involvement or between outcome and affected limb (forelimb vs hind limb)./li>

This research implies that neither the severity of the tendon laceration nor the specific treatment method significantly influenced the survival rate or recovery process of the horses. The majority were able to survive and return to their pre-injury activities, suggesting a generally positive prognosis for horses with digital flexor tendon lacerations. It also indicates that various treatment strategies can be effective, allowing for treatment plans to be adapted on an individual basis.