Page 323 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

SEVERED TENDONS

VetBooks.ir A severed tendon is a medical emergency. With prompt diagnosis, good wound management

and adequate support, the prognosis is good for extensor tendons and variable for flexor
tendons. Veterinary attention should be sought immediately.

Extensor tendons

The common and lateral digital extensor tendons in the forelimb and the long and lateral

digital extensor tendons in the hind limb are vulnerable to injury as they lie just below the
skin. Injury usually occurs between the knee or hock and the fetlock. The function of the
extensor tendons is to extend the toe.

CLINICAL SIGNS

If an extensor tendon is severed, the horse will often bring the affected limb forward with a
characteristic flip of the lower limb at walk. There is a tendency for the fetlock to knuckle

when walking but the horse will bear weight normally at rest.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis is made on the clinical signs, exploration of the wound and possibly

ultrasonography.

TREATMENT

The wound is clipped and carefully cleaned. Any dead or damaged tissue is removed.

Antibiotics are administered together with tetanus antitoxin if the horse is not vaccinated.
The horse is kept on box rest and the limb is usually immobilized with a heavy bandage, a
splint or a cast for 3–6 weeks. During the following 6 weeks the horse is started on a

programme of controlled walking exercise. If there are no complications and no tendency for
knuckling at the fetlock joint, the exercise may then be gradually increased. Healing and full

return to normal function can take up to 6 months. Healing can be monitored by serial
ultrasound examinations.

Flexor tendons

Laceration of a flexor tendon is a serious injury (Figure 7.9). The deep and superficial digital

flexor tendons, together with the suspensory ligament support the fetlock joint.