| A physical examination can often be ample to | | | | Cutting the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon |
| diagnosis this condition. The severity of the condition | | | | - This form of treatment is reserved for severe |
| will determine the symptoms shown. Affected | | | | tendon contraction. |
| neonates have varying degrees of straightening. | | | | - The DDFT is cut to allow for relaxation and flexure |
| Milder cases of contracture at the Distal | | | | of the fetlock joint. |
| Interphalangeal joint show a 'dished' appearance to | | | | - The tension is relieved but the foal is unable to be |
| their dorsal hoof surface, which can become more | | | | ridden or used for any athletic purpose after surgery. |
| acute depending on external factors that may affect | | | | Desmotomy |
| the condition. Cases that have failed to be corrected in | | | | - This procedure is the cutting of a ligament. |
| the early stages can become so severe that the heel | | | | - In cases of DDFT contracture, the check ligament is |
| of the hoof fails to touch the ground. This can in time | | | | cut. |
| cause the neonate to walk on its toe. This will cause a | | | | - This relieves tension from the DDFT. |
| number of additional problems, bruising to the joints due | | | | - The length of the tendon is increased, improving |
| to cushioning being reduced and the pressure on them | | | | functional capacity. |
| being greatly increased, lameness and infection. In | | | | - For severe cases this treatment and the use of |
| highly acute cases bone reabsorption at the toe can | | | | supportive bandaging offers the neonate a good |
| occur. | | | | chance of recovering. |
| Contraction at the fetlock joint will produce an 'upright' | | | | The administration of anti inflammatory drugs increases |
| conformation of the limb. This deformity can be related | | | | the tendons chance of recovery, e.g. Sodium |
| to rapid bone growth restricting the growth of the | | | | Hyalurate. This drug is often used as it provides |
| superficial flexor tendon due to the attachment of the | | | | nutritive value as well as reducing inflammation. |
| check ligament. The check ligament acts as a brake | | | | Splints and casts can be applied to give the unstable |
| when attached to the DDFT. | | | | limbs extra support. The aim for use is to differ some |
| In mild cases of flexor tendon contraction no specific | | | | of the pressure and strain placed on the tendons to |
| treatment to the limb is necessary. The foals exercise | | | | the splint, reducing healing time. |
| should be cut down, to reduce the chance of | | | | Corrective Shoeing |
| unnecessary stress being put on the limb. Movement | | | | The main objectives are to protect the toe and |
| of the limb is essential to create tension in the | | | | lengthen the tendon unit. Specific cases will determine |
| surrounding ligaments and tendons. The movement | | | | the best course of action, ranging from gradual |
| helps to prevent the limb from becoming stiff and | | | | trimming of the hoof increasing lateral growth of the |
| allows the surrounding tendon development to catch | | | | heel, to reconstruction of the hoof using corrective |
| up with the contracture. Hand walking or turn out in a | | | | shoes and acrylic applications. Acrylics provide a |
| pen no bigger than 24msquared is advised. | | | | protective barrier, reducing pain. Together with the use |
| In severe cases, a more invasive course of action | | | | of very gradual exercise this treatment will slowly |
| may be necessary to improve the foals' chances of | | | | stretch the flexor muscle and tendons. |
| regaining full use of the limb. | | | | |