Page 66 - Manual of Equine Field Surgery

62 LIMB SURGERIES

Figure 9-4 Horse with a complete laceration of the

deep digital flexor tendon. The toe is elevated from the

ground, indicating hyperextension of the coffin joint. Figure 9-6 Horse recovering from suspensory liga-
ment disruption. Note the fetlock hyperextension.

Figure 9-5 Horse with a partial laceration of the

superficial digital flexor tendon showing mild fetlock Figure 9- 7 Buckling forward of the fetlock seen with

hyperextension. long digital extensor tendon transection.

risk ischemic compromise to the distal limb but clean transections with potential for primary

can also heal adequately, Unfortunately, a practi- closure, debridement should be as conservative

cal way of assessing the ability of collateral circu- as possible. The wound should be lavaged ex-

lation to provide adequate blood supply in the tensively before, during, and after debridement

future healing period is not available. (Figure 9-10). If closure is performed, gloves and

instruments are changed after debridement and

before closure.
Wound Debridement and Repair
If the free cut ends of the tlexor tendon are

Removal of contaminated and devitalized tissue is cleanly transected and appear healthy, primary

performed with layered debridement. In relatively repair should be performed to improve alignment

•