Page 372 - Equine Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction, 2nd Edition

Musculoskeletal system: 1.8 Soft-tissue injuries 347

VetBooks.ir 1.682 1.683

Fig. 1.683 Transverse scan from a palmarolateral
approach at mid-metacarpus. A poorly defined
hypoechogenic area (calipers) is present over the
Fig. 1.682 Focal deformity of the plantar aspect of lateral border of the SDFT and extends along the
the distal tarsus is often referred to as ‘curb’ (arrow). DDFT and ICL. The border of the SDFT is irregular
The most common cause of this swelling is thickening and poorly delineated. The overlying subcutaneous
of the paratenon of the SDFT secondary to trauma. tissue is very thickened.

Fig. 1.684 Transverse scan from a palmar approach, 1.684
mid-metacarpus. Severe, hypoechogenic thickening
of the SDFT paratenon is visible along the palmar
aspect of the tendon (arrowhead). It extends around
the medial aspect of the SDFT and DDFT, displacing
the fascia and neurovascular bundle (yellow arrows).
The medial border of the SDFT is irregular and
poorly defined. Echogenic material is present within
the medial angle between the SDFT and DDFT (red
arrow).

plantar nerves, dorsal metacarpal nerves, etc.).
In more chronic cases, pain on palpation may persist
despite resolution of the oedema. Thickening of the
tendon may be minimal.

Differential diagnosis Ultrasonography
Primary tendinopathy or desmitis; oedema from Will show thickening of the paratenon, usually
other causes; lymphangitis. diffuse, with an initial decrease in echogenicity
(Figs. 1.683, 1.684). Haemorrhage causes a thin,
Diagnosis hypoechogenic layer outside the paratenon or sepa-
Based on a history of trauma, slipped bandage or rating the paratenon from the underlying tendon tis-
acute oedema, and ultrasonography. sue, but occasionally in the early stages it may appear