Surgical correction of acquired flexural deformities of the metacarpophalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints in horses

ABSTRACT

Sixteen horses with acquired flexural deformity of the metacarpophalangeal [MCP] and distal inter-phalangeal [DIP] joints were evaluated and classified according to their severity into mild [N= 7], moderate [N = 4], and severe [N = 5]. Evaluations for the tendon affected and the severity lesions of the deformity were based on clinical and radiographical examinations. Cases with mild deformities were treated with corrective trimming and shoeing. Cases with moderate deformities were treated with surgical transection of the check ligaments of the deep and/or superficial digital flexor tendon and corrective trimming. Tenotomy of the superficial or deep digital flexor tendons was performed in the severely affected cases, followed .by corrective trimming and cast application. In this long term study, all horses with mild, and two horses with moderate lesions regained to normal conformations and proved useful at work. Two eases with severe lesions showed little response whereas the rest of the horses were unable