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Discussion on Possible ruptured superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT)
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New Member:
Momule
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Posted on Monday, Oct 9, 2006 - 11:15 am:
Really could use some advice on this one. I just acquired a four month old filly that was somehow injured in the pasture. We have a vet coming out for an x-ray but all indications are leaning toward a ruptured SDFT; she is walking on the hind leg in question some but is really laid back on it (coon footed).
The answer I am searching for is whether or not anyone has a horse with such an injury and if it is treatable. I will post x-ray results as soon as I get them but in the meantime I was just looking for some input.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Oct 9, 2006 - 6:37 pm:
Melanie though the prognosis is worse for a rupture (there is more tissue damage) the treatment will be very similar to a completely lacerated tendon. For more on this see Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Diseases of the Lower Limb » Tendon Lacerations. Note that radiographs will not be near as helpful for tendon lesions as a ultrasound.
DrO
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New Member:
Momule
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Posted on Monday, Oct 9, 2006 - 11:12 pm:
Thank You so much for your quick response DrO, I had the vet out tonight to get a first look at the injury before he x-rays wednesday and his impression is a fractured pastern joint, do you have any thoughts on this particular injury?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, Oct 10, 2006 - 7:20 am:
Melanie, let's wait until we get a firm diagnosis and much will depend on the location, displacement, and shape of the fracture. But tell us what did he do to stabilize the leg until Wed?
DrO
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New Member:
Momule
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Posted on Friday, Oct 13, 2006 - 2:35 pm:
Hello Dr. O, I got the x-ray results back and my vet said that where the deep flexor tendon attaches to the bone, that part of the bone was broken off, he said there is still a lot of inflammation and swelling but he was going to further study the x-ray and possible contact the university hospital in columbia missouri, he said he wanted the leg to remain unwrapped and she needed to put a little stress on it, also not Bute as he didn't want her overdoing it. I am still feeling some heat in the joint and hoof are and the vet is supposed to call me back about that. Also I am not sure if I told you but this filly was injured for approx 4 weeks before I acquired her, they did have the leg wrapped when I picked her up and said that they started wrapping it when they first noticed her injury. In talking with my vet he did state that she was standing up on her foot somewhat better and that there is a chance she will correct herself enough to be sound as a broodmare.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Oct 14, 2006 - 9:06 am:
If I understand you correctly you are saying the DDF has avulsed its insertion into the coffin bone? That is consistent with standing with the toe elevated off the ground but a unusual injury. For treatment how about a extended heel shoe that will support the back of the foot, place the toe back on the ground, and put the flexor tendon and avulsed piece of bone back in better apposition for healing. I would think this the most rationale therapy with stall rest but if this is truly the cause of the lameness this will be salvage only and I don't know about the increased weight of pregnancy.
DrO
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