Page 321 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

• Sudden-onset lameness.

• Local swelling in the upper third of the metacarpal region.
VetBooks.ir • Heat.

•
Pain on palpation.
• In severe cases, the horse may stand with the knee slightly flexed and the heel slightly

raised from the ground.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made on the clinical signs and ultrasonography. Diagnostic scanning is essential
for assessment of the severity of the injury.

Treatment

This may include the following.
• Box rest.

• Cold therapy.

• Support bandage.

• Controlled exercise.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be given.

• Platelet rich plasma (PRP)

• Stem cell therapy

• Therapeutic ultrasound

• Shockwave
• Regenerative laser therapy (RLT)

• Desmotomy (surgical cutting) of the ALDDFT, which may be done if the healing does

not progress after six months; the procedure removes the strain on the scar tissue and
relieves the pain and lameness. Following surgery, the ligament still heals by forming

scar tissue but it is longer in length and less subject to strain.

Healing

Healing should be monitored by repeat ultrasound examinations. The horse should not be
turned out into a large area or do any more than controlled exercise until the ligament has
healed, which is likely to take a minimum of 6 months and up to 1 year. The ligament will