Medial collateral ligament desmitis of the distal interphalangeal joint in the hindlimb of a horse: treatment with cast immobilisation.

The research paper presents the case of a show-jumping horse suffering from a lameness that was caused by an issue in the medial collateral ligament of the rear foot. The horse underwent a successful treatment involving cast immobilisation, box rest and a strictly regulated program of hand-walking.

Case Details

• The paper presents a specific case of a 12-year-old show-jumping mare which came with a complaint of continuous hindlimb lameness for about 16 weeks. The lameness issue was located in the medial collateral ligament of the distal interphalangeal joint in the left hindlimb, which was diagnosed using perineural anesthesia and confirmed via ultrasonography.

Treatment

• As a part of the treatment plan, the horse underwent strict box rest, a carefully controlled program of hand-walking, and had its affected foot immobilised using a heavily padded distal limb cast. All of this lasted for a duration of six weeks.

Observations and Results

• Throughout the treatment period, regular ultrasonographic examinations were conducted to monitor the healing progress and to follow up on the condition of the ligament. It was observed that the immobilisation using the distal limb cast led to an excellent recovery of the ligament.
• The condition, known as collateral ligament desmitis of the distal interphalangeal joint, is common in the forelimb of a horse. However, this case of the condition being present in the hindlimb is rare.

Outcome

• The mare was successfully treated and at the time of writing the paper, had returned to her normal exercise routine with no signs of lameness or discomfort.

Significance and Utility of the Research

• The paper suggests that such a treatment strategy, using a heavily padded distal limb cast can offer a novel way to treat collateral ligament desmitis in horses.
• The paper also points out the important role of ultrasonographic examination both as a diagnostic tool, and as a follow-up method to monitor the condition of a ligament during the treatment process.