Very Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Deep Digital Flexor Tendon Rupture
Summary
The deep digital flexor tendon runs down the back of the cannon bone, over the back of the fetlock, down along the back of the pastern, and dives between the heel bulbs and into the hoof. Here it runs over the navicular bone, and attaches on the lowest part of the coffin bone. The full weight of the horse is borne through the deep flexor tendon - it is under tremendous tension.
Rupture of the deep digital flexor tendon is a rare and catastrophic problem. It usually is seen secondary to a wound or chronic injury that occurs low in the foot. It is also associated with end-stage navicular syndrome.
Your vet uses a history and clinical exam to assess this problem and help you determine whether treatment is possible. Your vet should help you understand the anatomy and mechanics of the problem so that you understand principles of long-term management, shoeing recommendations, and your horse's prognosis. Should you proceed with treatment, you will need to work closely with your vet and farrier to manage this severe problem.
Rupture of the deep digital flexor tendon is a rare and catastrophic problem. It usually is seen secondary to a wound or chronic injury that occurs low in the foot. It is also associated with end-stage navicular syndrome.
Your vet uses a history and clinical exam to assess this problem and help you determine whether treatment is possible. Your vet should help you understand the anatomy and mechanics of the problem so that you understand principles of long-term management, shoeing recommendations, and your horse's prognosis. Should you proceed with treatment, you will need to work closely with your vet and farrier to manage this severe problem.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Guarded to poor for return to pre-injury performance levels.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
Rare
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- What will it take to manage this condition long-term?
- Is euthanasia recommended?
Prevention
The primary reason for DDFT rupture relates to end-stage navicular syndrome. Appropriate management of that condition should prevent this terminal complication.