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Evaluation of clinical and diagnostic imaging findings of bilateral superficial digital flexor tendon luxation in the tarsus of a gelding.
Abstract: Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) plays an important role in the locomotion of the horses with flexion of the limbs. In the hind limb, it passes over the calcaneal bone and attaches to medial and lateral surfaces of calcaneous by two bands of connective tissue; while, the medial band is weaker than the lateral one. Occasionally, severe trauma, over-extension or fracture of the calcaneous may cause rupture of the supportive bands leading to tendon luxation. An 11-year-old Thoroughbred jumping gelding with symptoms of lameness in both legs, after examination by an internal specialist veterinarian in equine practice field was referred to the Teaching and Research Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Clinical examination showed lateral luxation of SDFT in the right and left tarsal joints. Radiography revealed no sign of calcaneal involvement, except soft tissue swelling. In the radiography of the tarsal joints, the calcaneus bones did not show significant changes, but among the bones of the central and 3 tarsal bone (distal intertarsal joint) of the tarsus, osteophyte formation was observed to a mild extent, indicating mild bone spavin in both tarsal joints. In ultrasonography, SDFT thickenings accompanied by hypoechoic regions in tendons were seen, confirming the signs of tendonitis. Moreover, fibrous tissue formation was diagnosed. In the left leg, anechoic fluid in the calcaneous bursa was seen. Evaluation of diagnostic imaging findings enables veterinarians to diagnose the site and extent of the lesions, choosing the appropriate therapeutic approach in addition to clinical symptoms.
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Publication Date: 2023-10-15 PubMed ID: 37901351PubMed Central: PMC10612396DOI: 10.30466/vrf.2023.1989381.3780Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Case Reports
Summary
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The research examines the case of an 11-year-old horse with a condition where its superficial digital flexor tendon, which assists in limb movement, was dislocated in both legs, revealing that diagnostic imaging, in conjunction with clinical examination, is a critical tool in assessing the extent of the condition and determining the suitable treatment approach.
Overview of Clinical Findings
- The horse in the study, a Thoroughbred gelding used for jumping, presented symptoms of lameness in both its hind limbs. This prompted examination by a veterinarian specializing in equine practice.
- Upon examination, it was established the horse was suffering from lateral luxation, or dislocation, of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in both the right and left tarsal, or ankle, joints of its hind limbs.
Radiographic Examination Results
- Despite the tendon dislocation, radiographic scans displayed no signs of calcaneal bone involvement except for mild soft tissue swelling. The calcaneal bone is where the SDFT passes over and attaches itself, hence why it was examined.
- While the calcaneus bones displayed negligible changes, there were mild osteophyte formations seen among the central and 3 tarsal bones, indicating the presence of bone spavin, a type of joint disease in horses, on both tarsal joints.
Ultrasonographic Examination Results
- Ultrasonography of the SDFT revealed thickenings alongside hypoechoic (darker) regions indicative of tendonitis, inflammation of the tendon. Evidence of fibrous tissue formation, a response to injury, was also observed.
- Additionally, in the left leg, anechoic (appearing black) fluid was detected in the calcaneal bursa, a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones and tendons or muscles around a joint.
Importance of Diagnostic Imaging
- The study underscores the importance of diagnostic imaging in tandem with clinical examination for the effective diagnosis and treatment of skeletal disorders in horses.
- The combined scrutiny allows veterinarians to precisely pinpoint the location of damage, evaluate its extent and subsequently determine the most appropriate curative approach.
Cite This Article
APA
Anoushepour A, Eftekhari S, Masoudifard M.
(2023).
Evaluation of clinical and diagnostic imaging findings of bilateral superficial digital flexor tendon luxation in the tarsus of a gelding.
Vet Res Forum, 14(10), 579-582.
https://doi.org/10.30466/vrf.2023.1989381.3780 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran.
- Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran .
- Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran .
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
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