Page 320 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

• cold therapy

• support bandage
VetBooks.ir • controlled exercise

•
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g. phenylbutazone
• injection of hyaluronan and corticosteroids into the tendon sheath to limit adhesions

• stem cell therapy

• platelet rich plasma (PRP)

• correction of any foot imbalance
• regenerative laser therapy (RLT)

• with very severe injuries a shoe with a raised heel is sometimes applied for short period if

the pain is severe
• surgical treatment may be required if there is a tear at the edge of the tendon within the

tendon sheath.

Prognosis

This depends on the site and severity of the damage, but is generally guarded.

STRAIN OF THE ACCESSORY LIGAMENT OF THE DEEP

DIGITAL FLEXOR TENDON

Anatomy

The accessory (or inferior check) ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT) lies
between the suspensory ligament and the deep digital flexor tendon. It runs from the carpal
ligament at the back of the knee to join the DDFT halfway down the cannon bone.

Desmitis or inflammation of this ligament can occur in all types of horse and pony,

especially jumping animals. It usually occurs in the forelimbs and tends to be more common
in the older horse. This is likely to be the result of degenerative ageing changes that occur as

a result of cumulative wear and tear during the horse’s working life. Desmitis of the
ALDDFT may occur on its own or in association with injury to the superficial or deep digital
flexor tendons. Adhesions frequently develop between these structures.

Clinical signs