Page 328 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

Following removal of the cast, the horse may be shod with raised heels which are gradually

lowered over the next few weeks. If both flexor tendons were ruptured, heel extensions are
VetBooks.ir used to provide further support. Controlled walking exercise is introduced after the initial 3-
month period of box rest. Healing is monitored by ultrasound examinations. The horse

should not be turned out until it is sound at walk and trot and the appearance is good on
clinical and ultrasound examination. Healing takes up to 12 months.

PROGNOSIS

The prognosis for straightforward extensor tendon lacerations with no complications is good.
If treated immediately and appropriately, approximately 50% of horses with a single flexor

tendon laceration are able to return to work after a year. Those with rupture of both the SDFT
and the DDFT have a guarded prognosis. The most common cause of residual pain and
lameness is adhesions between the tendon and the surrounding tissues or within the tendon

sheath. Depending on the site of the injury, annular ligament constriction may be a cause of
subsequent lameness.

THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF LIGAMENTS

Ligaments are bands of tough, fibrous tissue that support the joints and hold the bones in

place. Injuries to these structures should be treated promptly to minimize the risk of
permanent damage.

SUSPENSORY LIGAMENT INJURY

Anatomy

The origin of the suspensory ligament in the forelimb is the palmar carpal ligament at the

back of the knee and the top of the cannon bone. It runs down the back of the cannon bone as
a broad flat band between the two splint bones. Above the fetlock it divides into medial and

lateral branches. Each branch attaches to one of the proximal sesamoid bones before running
obliquely across the pastern to join the common digital extensor tendon. The function of the

suspensory ligament is to prevent overextension of the fetlock joint (Figures 7.10a and b).