Tendinitis of the proximal aspect of the superficial digital flexor tendon in horses: 12 cases (2000-2006).

The research examines the symptoms, ultrasound results, and outcomes of horses with tendinitis in the upper part of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), and compares these findings with data from horses with tendinitis located in a different part of the tendon. The study found that older performance horses are more prone to this condition and have lower chances of fully recovering and returning to their previous activity levels.

Objective of the Study

• The study aims to identify the clinical signs, ultrasonographic findings, and outcomes of horses suffering from tendinitis in the proximal part of the SDFT.
• It also seeks to draw comparisons among horses afflicted with this condition and those that have tendinitis in the midmetacarpal region of the SDFT.

Methodology

• The research follows a retrospective case series method, examining medical records of 12 horses (group A) with tendinitis in the proximal part of the SDFT and 22 horses (group B) with tendinitis in the midmetacarpal region of the SDFT.
• The records were reviewed for information about the horse’s profile, use, and the outcome of the condition.
• For group A, the researchers also examined the severity of lameness, diagnostic results, and treatments administered.

Findings

• The researchers found that most horses in group A were older (mean 18 years) and were mostly Quarter Horses. Lameness was commonly observed at a severity level of 3 or 4 on a 5-point scale.
• Most of these horses showed positive reactions to carpal flexion and were sound following ulnar nerve blocks.
• Ultrasonographic evaluations revealed hypoechoic SDFT lesions, with a median echogenicity score of 3/4, a median fiber alignment score of 3/3, and a mean length of lesions around 9.75 cm.
• Horses in group A were significantly older and had a poorer outcome for returning to their previous use (only 2 out of 12 horses were able to do so), compared to group B horses (median age 5 years, with 10 out of 22 horses returning to previous use).

Conclusions

• The study concluded that tendinitis of the proximal portion of the SDFT is often a cause of lameness in aged performance horses.
• The prognosis for recovery and return to previous usage was generally poor.