Question of the Day

Ultrasound of the metacarpus is recommended to further evaluate the soft tissues of the metacarpus. This appearance of a “bowed tendon” is typical of an acute superficial digital flexor tendinitis. Ultrasound is necessary to confirm and to evaluate the extent and severity of the lesion.

Nerve blocks are unnecessary and possibly even inappropriate as desensitizing the area and jogging the horse could lead to greater damage of the affected structures.

Tx includes stall rest, anti-inflammatories and ice, and bandaging. Additional therapies include intralesional regenerative therapies (e.g., stem cells, platelet-rich plasma) or steroids, shockwave therapy, tendon splitting, and a rehabilitation program.

Radiographs and nuclear scintigraphy are used mostly for bony lesions.

Image courtesy of vetmoves.com.