Traumatic injuries involving tendons of the distal limbs in horses: a retrospective study of 55 cases.

This study looks into the cases of 55 horses with distal limb lacerations involving flexor and extensor tendons that were presented to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 1980 and 1989, detailing the treatments and outcomes of these injuries.

Introduction and Methodology

• The study retrospectively reviewed the cases of 55 horses that were treated for distal limb lacerations from 1980 to 1989 at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
• The injuries were categorized into two groups: flexor tendon lacerations (n=35) and extensor tendon lacerations (n=20).

Treatment and Outcomes

• Of the 35 horses with flexor tendon lacerations, 11 were euthanized without undergoing treatment, while 24 received treatment.
• Twenty-two of the 24 treated horses were evaluated to measure the success of the treatment. Four (18%) horses fully recovered and returned to their original level of use. Nine (41%) returned to limited riding, seven (32%) returned to breeding or pasture soundness, and two (9%) were euthanized.
• Out of the 20 horses with extensor tendon lacerations, 18 were treated and 15 had adequate follow-up to assess the outcome.
• In this group, seven (47%) horses returned to their former or intended use, five (33%) came back to limited use, one (7%) was used for breeding, and two (13%) were euthanized.

Conclusion

• The results indicate a promising prognosis for horses with extensor tendon lacerations, aligning with prior research suggesting successful treatment of such injuries.
• The study also revealed better-than-expected outcomes for horses with flexor tendon lacerations, implying progression in the treatment of this type of injury.