Primary desmitis of the palmar and plantar annular ligaments in horses: 25 cases (1990-2003).

This research aims to study clinical abnormalities and effects of treatment in horses suffering from desmitis (inflammation) of the palmar/plantar annular ligament. 25 horses were retrospectively studied, and the results suggest that this condition may be a cause of lameness in horses.

Study Methodology

• The researchers carried out a retrospective study on 25 horses that had primary desmitis of the palmar or plantar annular ligament (PAL).
• Data was collected from the horses’ medical records, which included information such as the horse’s use, affected limb, severity and duration of lameness, results of diagnostic tests, ultrasonographic findings, treatment, and outcome.

Findings

• Every horse in the study had noticeable swelling in the region of the affected PAL, and exhibited pain when the swelling was touched.
• Ultrasonographic tests revealed that the affected PAL was thicker than what was considered normal in all the horses. Moreover, 20 of the 25 horses exhibited hypoechoic (appearing dark in the ultrasonography) regions in the PAL.

Treatment and Outcome

• Regarding treatment, four horses underwent PAL desmoplasty (a less invasive surgical procedure), nine underwent PAL desmotomy (insicion into the PAL), and the remaining 12 horses were given rest.
• At follow-up, all four horses that had received desmoplasty, four of the seven horses that had a desmotomy, and seven of the 10 horses that rested became sound, or ceased to display signs of lameness.

Conclusion

• The researchers concluded that primary desmitis of the PAL may be a cause of lameness in horses.
• The study suggested that there were no significant differences in outcomes between horses treated with rest only, PAL desmoplasty, or PAL desmotomy.
• However, the researchers recommend considering PAL desmoplasty for the treatment of horses with this condition if they do not respond to conservative treatment, as it is a less invasive procedure. This recommendation is especially for horses without evidence of constriction of the digital flexor tendons.