Deep digital flexor tenotomy as a treatment for chronic laminitis in horses: 35 cases (1988-1997)
OBJECTIVE
To determine long-term prognosis for horses with laminitis treated by deep digital flexor (DDF) tenotomy and to identify factors affecting success of the surgical procedure.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
35 horses with laminitis treated by DDF tenotomy between 1988 and 1997.


METHODS
Information was obtained from individual medical records and follow-up telephone interviews with owners and referring veterinarians. Cumulative proportions of horses that survived 6 months and 2 years after tenotomy were determined. Effect of Obel grade of lameness on 6-month and 2-year survival and effect of distal phalangeal rotation on survival and future performance were evaluated by chi 2 analysis. Body weights of horses that survived > or = 2 years were compared with those of horses that survived < 2 years by ANOVA.


RESULTS
27 of the 35 (77%) horses survived > or = 6 months, and 19 of 32 (59%) survived > 2 years. Obel grade of lameness and body weight at time of surgery had no effect on 6-month or 2-year survival. Degree of distal phalangeal rotation had no effect on 2-year survival or the ability of horses to be used for light riding. Twenty-two of the 30 (73%) owners interviewed indicated they would have the procedure repeated on their horses given similar circumstances.


CONCLUSIONS
DDF tenotomy is a viable alternative for horses with laminitis refractory to conventional medical treatment. In some instances, the procedure may be effective in returning horses to light athletic use.
Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, Texas Veterinary Medical Center, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-4475, USA.
T G
TG
Eastman
C M
CM
Honnas
B A
BA
Hague
W
W
Moyer
H D
HD
von der Rosen
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D006724:Hoof and Claw; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D007249:Inflammation / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013710:Tendons / Q000601:surgery*