MRI Findings

• Focus of severe hyperintensity associated with the lateral branch of the superficial digital flexor tendon with involvement of the middle scutum

• Marked proximal interphalangeal joint effusion• Thickening of the palmar/lateral soft tissues

including the distal digital annular ligament• Lateral oblique distal sesamoidean ligament

desmopathy

Follow-Up

• This imaging was performed in early December 2012. Since that time the horse was rested further, and recently the tendon lesion was treated using shockwave therapy.

• Following therapy the swelling decreased and the patient is at the trotting stage of rehabilitation with no signs of lameness

Commentary

• This case was chosen because of the severe injury to the distal superficial digital flexor tendon and scutum in combination with pastern joint effusion

• It is suspected that the peripheral, dorsal nature of the tendon injury may have resulted in hemorrhage into the pastern joint

• Due to the severity of the swelling in the area joint sampling was not performed following imaging in this case

Commentary

• It was also interesting to see a case of severe lameness following PDN block and distal interphalangeal joint injection

• No unusual events or limb retraction took place during this block

• It is believed that a mild injury to the tendon was pre-existing and was exacerbated following turn-out after the exam (while the area was still under the influence of local anesthesia)