Field bilateral standing forelimb deep digital flexor tendon tenotomy for management of a case of chronic laminitis of two years duration

Fabiola d'Errico; Aurora Mannini; Nicola Ellero; Giulia Forni

Fabiola d'Errico 1Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell’Univeristà 16, Legnaro, 35020, Padova, Italy
Aurora Mannini 2Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064, Bologna, Italy
Nicola Ellero 2Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064, Bologna, Italy
Giulia Forni Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Legnaro, Padova, 35020, Italy

Keywords: Tenotomy, Field surgery, Equine, Laminitis

Abstract

Laminitis is a common cause of lameness in horses, often debilitating, which consists of disruption of the lamellar tissue that suspends the distal phalanx within the hoof capsule. The goal of treatment of laminitis are to alleviate the intense pain in both refractory acute and chronic conditions, and also to prevent displacement of P3, and to reestablish the functional relationship between the P3 and the hoof wall. Deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) tenotomy is considered a salvage procedure when all routine treatments fail. This report describes a case of a 13-year-old Lipizzan mare presenting with chronic laminitis of two years duration, managed with continuous administration of NSAIDs, that consequently developed also enteropathy and nephropathy.

The mare underwent bilateral standing DDFT tenotomy in the field, with a mid-metacarpal approach, which improved movement and allowed suspension of NSAIDs administration and farriery interventions, which were impossible to execute before.

At 18 months follow-up the horse is still alive and freely moving at all gates, and is capable of laying down and standing easily.

This case report supports the previously introduced concepts that DDFT tenotomy can improve the quality of life in chronic laminitic horses, and also that the procedure is safely applicable in field conditions.

Author Biographies

Fabiola d'Errico, 1Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell’Univeristà 16, Legnaro, 35020, Padova, Italy

First author, DVM

Aurora Mannini, 2Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064, Bologna, Italy

Second author, DVM

Nicola Ellero, 2Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064, Bologna, Italy

third author, DVM, PhD, ECEIM resident