Tendonitis of the deep digital flexor tendon in the distal metacarpal/metatarsal region associated with tenosynovitis of the digital sheath in the horse.
Abstract: Twenty-four horses with ultrasonographic evidence of tendonitis of the deep digital flexor tendon in the metacarpal/metatarsal region were seen over a 7 year period. Most horses had mild to moderate lameness and distension of the digital flexor tendon sheath in the affected limb. Intrasynovial analgesia of the digital flexor tendon sheath consistently improved the degree of lameness. Ultrasonography most commonly revealed small, distinct, often circular, focal hypoechoic areas within the deep digital flexor tendon which usually extended less than 1 cm proximodistally. The degree of lameness and swelling generally improved with box rest and controlled exercise, however, exacerbation of the clinical signs and ultrasonographic lesions was common when affected horses were returned to work or allowed free exercise at pasture. Of 24 cases, only 7 horses made a full recovery and returned to their intended athletic activity.
Publication Date: 1995-09-01 PubMed ID: 8654349DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1995.tb04069.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The study presents an investigation into tendonitis of the deep digital flexor tendon in horses, the impact of the condition on their athletic activity, and the effectiveness of various treatments used.
Overview and Purpose of the Study
- The aim of the study was to explore the occurrence, impact, and potential treatment of tendonitis in the deep digital flexor tendon of horses, an issue identified in the metacarpal/metatarsal region. The focus was on cases that presented with related tenosynovitis, an inflammation of the fluid-filled sheath that surrounds a tendon. This condition was studied over seven years in a total of 24 horses.
Findings and Observations
- Most of the horses had mild to moderate lameness symptoms and displayed swelling in the digital flexor tendon sheath of the affected limb. This lameness was consistently lessened following intrasynovial analgesia, a local anaesthetic applied directly to the site of the tendon sheath.
- Ultrasound imaging was conducted and common properties were discovered among the horses’ tendons. Small, often circular hypoechoic areas (areas in the scan which appear darker due to absorbing more soundwaves) were spotted within the deep digital flexor tendon. Generally, these extended less than 1 cm in the proximodistal (near-end to far-end) direction.
- With rest indoors and restricted movement, the horses demonstrated reduced lameness and swelling. Nevertheless, when they returned to work or were released for unrestricted pasture exercise, a recurrence of symptoms and ultrasound-identified lesions was frequent.
Conclusions
- Out of the 24 horses considered in the study, only 7 made a full recovery and returned to their pre-condition performance levels. Thus, despite initial treatment and rest, a widespread and successful recovery rate was not achieved among this case group.
Implications
- This research contributes valuable insights into the overall understanding of equine tendonitis, particularly within the deep digital flexor tendon, and associated tenosynovitis. The results highlight the need for effective treatment strategies and controlled recovery periods before returning the horses to their normal athletic workload. Despite conservative management, the recurrence rate is high and successful recovery remains a challenge.
Cite This Article
APA
Barr AR, Dyson SJ, Barr FJ, O'Brien JK.
(1995).
Tendonitis of the deep digital flexor tendon in the distal metacarpal/metatarsal region associated with tenosynovitis of the digital sheath in the horse.
Equine Vet J, 27(5), 348-355.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1995.tb04069.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Division of Companion Animals, University of Bristol, Langford, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Forelimb
- Hindlimb
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
- Lameness, Animal / etiology
- Lameness, Animal / pathology
- Male
- Metacarpus / diagnostic imaging
- Metacarpus / pathology
- Metatarsus / diagnostic imaging
- Metatarsus / pathology
- Radiography
- Tendinopathy / complications
- Tendinopathy / pathology
- Tendinopathy / veterinary
- Tendons / diagnostic imaging
- Tendons / pathology
- Tenosynovitis / complications
- Tenosynovitis / pathology
- Tenosynovitis / veterinary
- Treatment Outcome
- Ultrasonography
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- van Veggel ECS, Selberg KT, van der Velde-Hoogelander B, Vanderperren K, Cokelaere SM, Bergman HJ. Deep Digital Flexor Tendon Injury at the Level of the Proximal Phalanx in Frontlimbs With Tendon Sheath Distension Characterized by Standing Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Horses: 13 Cases (2015-2021).. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:734729.
- Lacitignola L, De Luca P, Imperante A, Tommasa SD, Crovace A. Palmar annular ligament desmotomy in horses with the Arthrex-Centerline™ : An ex-vivo study.. Open Vet J 2018;8(1):53-56.
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