Page 414 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

CLINICAL SIGNS

The distension of the tendon sheath in these cases is accompanied by:
VetBooks.ir • heat

•
pain
• pain on palpation of the swelling

• lameness

• the horse may stand with the heel slightly raised from the ground with an acute injury to
the DFTS.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis is made on:

• the clinical signs

• ultrasonography – this is essential to identify any accompanying damage to the tendon or
adhesions within the sheath

• examination of a sample of synovial fluid which may be taken to check for any infection
if the swelling and lameness are severe

• tenoscopy, e.g. endoscopic examination of the digital sheath and the tendon within it; the
procedure is generally reserved for serious or chronic injuries as it has to be carried out

under general anaesthesia.

TREATMENT

Treatment in the early stages includes:

• box rest

• cold therapy

• bandaging
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g. phenylbutazone.

As the inflammation subsides, controlled walking exercise is introduced prior to a gradual
return to ridden work. If the condition does not resolve and there is no injury to the tendon or

infection present, the tendon sheath may be injected with a combination of hyaluronan and
corticosteroid to reduce the inflammation.

PROGNOSIS

The prognosis is good provided there is no tendon damage and the condition is recognized