Clinical findings and management of six horses with subtendinous bursitis of the long digital extensor tendon in the hind limb fetlock.

Summary

# Editorial Summary: Subtendinous Bursitis of the Long Digital Extensor Tendon in Hind Limb Fetlocks Subtendinous bursitis affecting the long digital extensor tendon (LDET) at the hind limb fetlock is a rarely reported condition, yet clinicians should recognise its presentation as a soft tissue swelling beneath the LDET without associated lameness—a distinction that may help differentiate it from other fetlock pathologies. This retrospective case series examined six horses presenting with characteristic clinical signs, principally focusing on cosmetic concerns and owners' uncertainty about future athletic use rather than functional impairment. Three horses underwent bursoscopic debridement with prolonged bandaging, achieving excellent cosmetic results in two cases, although one animal experienced recurrence; conversely, the three horses managed conservatively with medical treatment alone showed no resolution. The findings suggest bursoscopy combined with sustained compression bandaging merits consideration when conservative management fails, though the small case numbers and single recurrence warrant cautious optimism about surgical outcomes. For equine practitioners, recognising this condition's benign clinical presentation (absence of lameness) yet potential cosmetic impact is important for appropriate client communication and informed decision-making regarding intervention.

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Key Findings

• •All 6 horses presented with distention beneath the LDET at the hind limb fetlock without associated lameness
• •Bursoscopic debridement produced excellent cosmetic results in 2 of 3 surgically treated horses
• •One horse treated surgically experienced recurrence of bursitis
• •Medical management alone failed to resolve the condition in all 3 non-surgically treated horses

Conditions Studied