Page 405 - Equine Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction, 2nd Edition

380 CHAPTER 1

VetBooks.ir 1.750 1.751

Fig. 1.750 Partial tear of the SDFT (arrowhead)
in the distal crus. There is severe calcaneal bursitis
(arrow) due to subacute infection. This was associated
with a wound over the common calcanean tendon.

Fig. 1.751 Curb deformity due to trauma to the
advised for up to 3 months. Fibrosis may allow par- plantar distal aspect of the right hind tarsus, giving
tial to complete functional repair. a bowed appearance to this region. (Photo courtesy
Complete common calcaneal tendon rupture Graham Munroe)
should be treated by surgical repair and application
of a full-limb cast for 12 weeks, followed by bandage
and splint support for a further 6–12 weeks. The to be due to injury to the long plantar tarsal liga-
repair often fails during recovery. ment, which arises from the plantaroproximal aspect
of the tuber calcis and runs distally to the head of
Prognosis the fourth metatarsal bone. Ultrasonography has,
The prognosis is good for deep tarsal tendonitis, however, shown that other soft-tissue structures are
although too few cases have been reported for an accu- more commonly affected.
rate prognosis to be established. The prognosis for
distal gastrocnemius tendinopathy varies from good Aetiology/pathophysiology
to guarded depending on the severity of the lesion. It Thickening of any of the soft tissues covering the
appears to be fair for avulsion of the proximal origin plantar aspect of the tarsus may be involved. These
of the gastrocnemius muscles, although very few cases include the skin and subcutaneous tissue, the fascia,
have been reported. Rupture of the SDFT carries a the SDFT, and the long plantar ligament (LPL) of
guarded prognosis, but functional recovery is possible the tarsus. In most cases the subcutaneous tissue is
in some horses. The prognosis is generally very poor involved. In acute cases, haematoma occurs between
for complete common calcaneal tendon rupture. the SDFT and skin, sometimes diffusing below the
fascia and extending proximally and distally. The
CURB deformity is due to thickening, probably as a result
of direct trauma and contusion; for example, when a
Definition/overview horse kicks at its stable door or manger.
Curb refers to swelling over the plantar aspect of SDFT injuries may arise in this region and give a
the hock, giving it a convex appearance when viewed similar appearance, particularly as there is usually asso-
laterally (Fig. 1.751). It was initially considered ciated peritendinous tissue swelling and thickening.