Recent advances in diagnosis and nursing techniques related to contracted tendons in the equine neon

A physical examination can often be ample to diagnosis this condition. The severity of the condition will determine the symptoms shown. Affected neonates have varying degrees of straightening.
Milder cases of contracture at the Distal Interphalangeal joint show a 'dished' appearance to their dorsal hoof surface, which can become more acute depending on external factors that may affect the condition. Cases that have failed to be corrected in the early stages can become so severe that the heel of the hoof fails to touch the ground. This can in time cause the neonate to walk on its toe. This will cause a number of additional problems, bruising to the joints due to cushioning being reduced and the pressure on them being greatly increased, lameness and infection. In highly acute cases bone reabsorption at the toe can occur.

Contraction at the fetlock joint will produce an 'upright' conformation of the limb. This deformity can be related to rapid bone growth restricting the growth of the superficial flexor tendon due to the attachment of the check ligament. The check ligament acts as a brake when attached to the DDFT.

In mild cases of flexor tendon contraction no specific treatment to the limb is necessary. The foals exercise should be cut down, to reduce the chance of unnecessary stress being put on the limb. Movement of the limb is essential to create tension in the surrounding ligaments and tendons. The movement helps to prevent the limb from becoming stiff and allows the surrounding tendon development to catch up with the contracture. Hand walking or turn out in a pen no bigger than 24msquared is advised.

In severe cases, a more invasive course of action may be necessary to improve the foals' chances of regaining full use of the limb.

Cutting the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon
-This form of treatment is reserved for severe tendon contraction.
-The DDFT is cut to allow for relaxation and flexure of the fetlock joint.
-The tension is relieved but the foal is unable to be ridden or used for any athletic purpose after surgery.

Desmotomy
-This procedure is the cutting of a ligament.
-In cases of DDFT contracture, the check ligament is cut.
-This relieves tension from the DDFT.
-The length of the tendon is increased, improving functional capacity.
-For severe cases this treatment and the use of supportive bandaging offers the neonate a good chance of recovering.

The administration of anti inflammatory drugs increases the tendons chance of recovery, e.g. Sodium Hyalurate. This drug is often used as it provides nutritive value as well as reducing inflammation.

Splints and casts can be applied to give the unstable limbs extra support. The aim for use is to differ some of the pressure and strain placed on the tendons to the splint, reducing healing time.


Corrective Shoeing
The main objectives are to protect the toe and lengthen the tendon unit. Specific cases will determine the best course of action, ranging from gradual trimming of the hoof increasing lateral growth of the heel, to reconstruction of the hoof using corrective shoes and acrylic applications. Acrylics provide a protective barrier, reducing pain. Together with the use of very gradual exercise this treatment will slowly stretch the flexor muscle and tendons.

Tammy is a passionate horse rider who wishes to promote the correct ways to be treating horses. Tammy works part time for a company who specialise in sherwood forest equestrian as well as mark todd horse rugs and rockfish riders wellies in the UK. For more info, please visit, Anything Equine