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Equine veterinary journal2000; 32(5); 369-378; doi: 10.2746/042516400777591138

Superficial digital flexor tendonitis in the horse.

Abstract: The superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is an elastic structure that during maximal exercise appears to operate close to its functional limits. The biomechanical and biochemical responses to exercise, injury, and healing are still poorly understood but ongoing research is providing valuable new information which is addressed in this review. It appears that the SDFT matures early, after which time it has limited ability to adapt to stress and undergoes progressive degeneration. Focal hypocellularity, collagen fibril degeneration, selective fibril loading and alterations in the noncollagenous matrix occur primarily within the central core region of the midmetacarpal segment. Current treatment strategies have had equivocal results in returning animals to optimal athletic activity. To date it would seem that progressive rehabilitation programmes coupled with regular ultrasonographic evaluations are a cost-effective and comparable strategy when compared to surgical treatment methods. Recent interest in pharmacological modulation of intrinsic healing of collagenous structures has led to the investigation of various growth factors as potential therapeutic aids in the healing of tendon injuries. However, one of the major goals in tendon research, and one which holds the most optimism for success in the immediate future, is the prevention of tendon injuries.
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Publication Date: 2000-10-19 PubMed ID: 11037257DOI: 10.2746/042516400777591138Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research provides a thorough review on the topic of superficial digital flexor tendonitis in horses. The study examines the biomechanical and biochemical responses of the tendon to exercise, injury, and healing, and sheds light on the current treatment strategies and the potential role of growth factors in healing such injuries.

Understanding the Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon (SDFT)

  • The research points out that the Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon (SDFT) in horses operates near its functional limits during maximal exercise. Despite its critical role, the biomechanical and biochemical responses of this tendon to exercise, injury, and healing is only partially understood.
  • The tendon matures early and doesn’t possess significant adaptability to stress, which leads to gradual degradation over time. Damage includes hypocellularity, collagen fibril degeneration, selective fibril loading and changes in the non-collagenous matrix.
  • These changes primarily occur within the central core region of the midmetacarpal segment, a crucial area for the flexion and extension of a horse’s limb.

Current Treatment Strategies for Tendonitis

  • The article indicates that the effectiveness of present treatment strategies has been mixed, especially in returning horses to their peak athletic performance.
  • As per the study, progressive <a href="/equine-rehabilitation-guide/" title="Equine Rehabilitation Programs: What to Expect When Your Horse is Recovering – [Guide]”>rehabilitation programs coupled with frequent ultrasonographic evaluations are a cost-effective strategy. They also compare well against surgical treatment methods in terms of outcomes.

Role of Pharmacological Modulation in Healing

  • The research highlights recent interests in the pharmacological modulation of intrinsic healing of collagenous structures. The potential use of various growth factors as therapeutic aids in the healing of tendon injuries is under investigation.

Prevention of Tendon Injuries

  • One of the prominent objectives of this research is the prevention of tendon injuries, and the study suggests this is an area that yields the most optimism for immediate success.

Cite This Article

APA
Dowling BA, Dart AJ, Hodgson DR, Smith RK. (2000). Superficial digital flexor tendonitis in the horse. Equine Vet J, 32(5), 369-378. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516400777591138

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 32
Issue: 5
Pages: 369-378

Researcher Affiliations

Dowling, B A
  • University Veterinary Centre Camden, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, NSW, Australia.
Dart, A J
    Hodgson, D R
      Smith, R K

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Horse Diseases / pathology
        • Horses
        • Lameness, Animal / etiology
        • Lameness, Animal / pathology
        • Physical Conditioning, Animal
        • Tendinopathy / complications
        • Tendinopathy / pathology
        • Tendinopathy / veterinary
        • Tendons / pathology
        • Wound Healing

        References

        This article includes 140 references

        Citations

        This article has been cited 54 times.
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