Page 318 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

Horses that jump are most at risk. Strains of the DDFT in the metacarpal and metatarsal

region are much less common than strains of the SDFT. When they do occur it is usually in
VetBooks.ir association with chronic inflammation of the accessory ligament (inferior check ligament) of
the DDFT. The strains tend to occur in the fetlock and pastern regions where the tendon is

enclosed within the sheath. DDF tendonitis may occur in horses with concurrent navicular
disease. Magnetic resonance imaging has shown that this is much more prevalent than

previously recognized.

Clinical signs

• Sudden onset of lameness, usually mild to moderate, occasionally severe. If the lameness

is only slight, it may become worse if the horse is lunged on a soft surface. It is made
worse with hard work and improves with rest. Flexion of the distal limb may exacerbate

the lameness.
• Local heat and swelling.

• Pain on palpation.

• Distension of the DFTS if the lesion is within the sheath (Figure 7.6). With severe lesions
within the hoof capsule, the horse may ‘point’ the limb at rest.