Muscle Disorders of the Horse
Authors: Cruz Antonio, Munroe Graham, Schramme Michael
Journal: Concise Textbook of Equine Clinical Practice Book 1
Summary
Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injuries predominantly affect the forelimbs of athletic horses, making bilateral hindlimb involvement exceptionally rare in sports horses. This case report documents a 16-year-old Irish event horse that developed extensive core lesions in both hindlimb SDFTs following cross-country competition, presenting with severe bilateral lameness and plantar metatarsal swelling confirmed via ultrasonography. Treatment comprised ultrasound-guided intralesional injection of autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) combined with structured rehabilitation over eight months, after which the gelding successfully returned to showjumping without recurrence over the subsequent 44-month follow-up period. The rarity of bilateral hindlimb SDFT tendinopathy highlights the need for clinicians to maintain broad diagnostic consideration when evaluating hindlimb lameness in event horses, particularly following intense athletic effort. For rehabilitation professionals, this case suggests that BMAC therapy integrated with disciplined exercise protocols warrants consideration in managing significant tendon core lesions where traditional approaches may be limited.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Consider bilateral hindlimb SDFT injury in sports horses presenting with bilateral hindlimb swelling and lameness after strenuous exercise, even though this location is uncommon
- •Ultrasound examination is essential to confirm suspected tendon injury and assess lesion extent before treatment planning
- •BMAC injection combined with structured rehabilitation may be an effective treatment option for SDFT injuries, though long-term outcomes require further evidence from larger studies
Key Findings
- •Bilateral hindlimb SDFT injury in the metatarsal region is rare and previously unreported in sports horses
- •Ultrasonographic examination revealed extensive core lesions in both hindlimb SDFTs following cross-country competition
- •Autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) intralesional injection combined with controlled exercise resulted in successful rehabilitation within 8 months
- •No recurrence of SDFT injury was documented over 44 months of follow-up after treatment