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  Discussion on Common Digigtal Extensor Tendonitis
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New Member:
simonem

Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 1:38 pm:

Dr. O,

My 6 y/o OTTB gelding injured himself in a pasture approx. 7 weeks ago. I have had 2 separate vets look at it. The first said an ultrasound wasn't necessary and diagnosed it as Plantar Desmitis, with 30 days stall rest and 30 days pasture rest, and said I probably wouldn't need to see him about the leg again. He said it was a 1/5 lameness (and this was 1 1/2 weeks after initial injury)

I decided I needed a second opinion (4 1/2 weeks after inital injury), and the second vet did the ultrasound, and gave me the diagnosis of suspensory desmitis and common digital extensor tendonitis (tenosynovitis). I will relay the comments he wrote down for me, in case they help somehow. (Sorry if there are any misspellings- he has bad handwriting! I'll try my best to get it right)

"RH: Grade 3/5 lameness-36 day duration. High suspensory strain (medial lobe). Up mottled echogenicity comprising 20% diameter region on 1a-1b. Digital Extensor Tendon below TMT joint has central core lesion with fiber diruption and corresponding synovitis with tendon sheath."

Vet #2 recommended 30 days small pasture rest (My horse has been on stall rest 36 days now), followed by 4 months regular turnout, and a another ultrasound before return to work. My horse is a walking machine- given a choice he won't stand still, so handwalking is not so much of an issue.

Exactly how serious is his tendonitis? Does everything sound reasonable? I have put him on SmartTendon, from SmartPak, which is comprised of silica, hyDrOlyzed collagen, MSM, vitamin C and grape seed extract. Does this sound like it has the potential to aid in healing and/or prevention of recurrence? Thanks in advance for any info.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 9:49 am:

I suspect the tendonitis is incidental to the lameness and that the suspensory desmitis (also could be termed by the rather vague term plantar desmitis as it does not identify which ligament is inflamed) the most like cause of the lameness. No I have seen no work to suggest that Smart Tendon will be of any benefit in either problem.

For more on the suspensory desmitis see Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Diseases of the Lower Limb » Suspensory Desmitis, Strain, & Sprain. Though the whole article has something for you specifically the subtopic High Suspensory Rear Limb Desmitis applies to your case.
DrO
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