TREATMENT OF RUPTURE OF SUSPENSORY LIGAMENT AND SUPERFICIAL FLEXOR TENDON IN A BULL

Rupture of the suspensory ligament at the insertions on the proximal s esamoid bones, and of the superficial flexor tendon of the left fore l imb, occurred ill an adult Angus bull as a result of fighting. There w as severe hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal lalangeal (MCP) jo int with the dewclaws almost touching the ground, Radiographs revealed severe hyperextension of the MCP joint with the sesamoid bones aligne d directly distal to the metacarpus. Initially a full length fiberglas s cast was applied with the limb partially flexed within the cast and the heels elevated. The cast was replaced twice. The cast was removed after 136 days and the bull was bearing full weight on the limb. Prolo nged immobilisation of the limb produced new bone in the area (a norma l response in cattle) to cause ankylosis of the traumatized MCP joint and partial ankylosis of the carpus. The bull was being used for pastu re breeding one year after the injury.