Outcome of desmoplasty and fasciotomy for desmitis involving the origin of the suspensory ligament in horses: 27 cases (1995-2004).
OBJECTIVE
To determine outcome of percutaneous ultrasound-guided desmoplasty with simultaneous fasciotomy for proximal suspensory desmitis (ie, desmitis of the origin of the suspensory ligament) in horses that have not responded to stall rest.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
27 horses.


METHODS
Medical records of horses with proximal suspensory desmitis treated by means of desmoplasty with fasciotomy were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained through telephone conversations with owners and trainers of the horses or by examination of horses at the hospital.


RESULTS
23 of the 27 (85%) horses, including 3 of 4 horses with forelimb lesions and 20 of 23 horses with hind limb lesions, were able to return to full work after surgery and rehabilitation. All horses had ultrasonographic evidence of healing of suspensory ligament lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that desmoplasty with fasciotomy is a viable treatment option in horses with proximal suspensory desmitis that have not responded to stall rest.
Hewes
Christina A
CA
Marion DuPont Scott Equine Medical Center, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Leesburg, VA 20177, USA.
White
Nathaniel A
NA
D000818:Animals; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D007249:Inflammation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D007794:Lameness, Animal; D008022:Ligaments / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D012146:Rest; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014945:Wound Healing