MANAGEMENT OF FLEXOR TENDON LACERATIONS IN HORSES

In horses, flexor tendon lacerations are serious injuries that alter l imb conformation and impair limb function. During evaluation of a lace ration, the involvement of the tendon sheath should be recognized to a llow appropriate treatment of the synovial structure and tendon. In fl exor tendon lacerations, the synovial structure that is most often aff ected is the digital synovial sheath, which surrounds the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons. Because the tendon sheath is in a sup erficial location at the caudal, medial, and lateral aspects of the li mb, penetration is likely even with minor lacerations. Successful trea tment depends on accurately assessing the damage, identifying the tend on or tendons that have been transected, and recognizing whether a ten don sheath has been invaded. Factors that determine appropriate treatm ent of tendon lacerations include the time elapsed since injury, conta mination or infection of the wound, involvement of synovial structures , the location of the injury, and the structures involved. Treatment o ptions include whether to close the wound, whether to suture the tendo ns, and what kind of external support to provide during healing. With appropriate treatment, 60% to 80% of affected horses should survive an d be able to be ridden.