Foundational Tendon and Ligament Injuries

Question 1

what is the prevalence of SDF tendinopathy in racing thoroughbreds?

Answer 1

11-30%

Question 2

what percentage of competitive horses become lame each year?

Answer 2

33%

Question 3

what are the clinical signs of soft tissue trauma?

Answer 3

pain
heat
swelling

Question 4

what percentage of tendon injuries in horses occur in the superficial digital flexor tendinopathy?

Answer 4

75-95%

Question 5

how can superficial digital flexor tendinopathy be diagnosed?

Answer 5

clinical signs
careful palpation
ultrasonography

Question 6

what is a big factor in tendon damage response?

Answer 6

imbalance of normal cellular activity, matrix formation, nerve and blood supply

Question 7

how does immobilization help in the subacute phase?

Answer 7

decreases pain
prevents additional injury
hastens dissipation of inflammatory mediators

Question 8

what is a surgical option for superficial digital flexor tendinopathy?

Answer 8

superior check ligament transection
palmar annular ligament desmotomy

Question 9

how emergent are flexor tendon lacerations?

Answer 9

medical emergencies

Question 10

what is a conservative treatment option for flexor tendon lacerations?

Answer 10

partial lacerations of the SDFT
wound care, bandaging, stall rest, antibiotics, NSAIDs