Page 410 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

TREATMENT

Any underlying pathology within the joint must be appropriately treated and those conditions
VetBooks.ir listed above are discussed elsewhere. Any vitamin or mineral deficiency must be corrected.

Where the condition is idiopathic (i.e. of no known cause) the following options may be
considered:

• no treatment

• drainage of the excess fluid and injection of corticosteroid with or without hyaluronan;
the hock is then bandaged and the horse’s activity is restricted for 2 weeks.

PROGNOSIS

The prognosis is guarded as treatment is effective in only 50% of cases. The hock is not the
easiest area to bandage comfortably and the swelling often recurs. However, provided the

condition is not accompanied by any lameness, most horses are able to perform satisfactorily.

TENDON SHEATHS

Tendon sheaths are long thin sacs of synovial fluid that surround and protect tendons as they
pass over bony prominences. They are lined by a synovial membrane, similar to joints.

Tenosynovitis

Tenosynovitis is inflammation of the synovial membrane within the tendon sheath. It can be
caused by wear and tear, an acute injury or infection.

Idiopathic tenosynovitis

It is possible for a tendon sheath to become distended by increased production of synovial
fluid without any obvious inflammation. Examples include tendinous windgalls and

thoroughpin and these do not cause pain or lameness.

TENDINOUS WINDGALLS

These are enlargements of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS). The swellings are located

just above the fetlock, between the suspensory ligament and the flexor tendons. They are
often larger on the hind limb. The cause is considered to be low-grade trauma. They may

swell when the horse is in the stable and reduce with exercise. Tendinous windgalls are
considered to be a cosmetic blemish and are rarely of clinical significance. In a young horse