Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Changes in the sustentaculum tali associated with distension of the tarsal sheath (thoroughpin).
- Journal:
- Equine veterinary journal
- Year:
- 1978
- Authors:
- Edwards, G B
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looked at eight lame horses that had swelling in the tarsal sheath, which is a protective covering around a tendon in the hock (the horse's ankle). In horses that had been lame for a long time, the researchers found abnormal bone growths in a specific area called the sustentaculum tali, both through X-rays and during post-mortem examinations of four horses that were euthanized. The study discussed how these changes could affect treatment options and the overall outlook for recovery, especially since half of the horses had experienced trauma to their hock. The findings suggest that the damage to the tendon and its covering could complicate healing. Overall, the prognosis for these horses appears to be poor due to the extent of the changes observed.
Abstract
Results of the clinical and radiographic examination of 8 lame horses with tarsal sheath distension are described. In chronic cases pathological exostoses were identified radiographically in the sustentaculum tali and were demonstrated at post mortem in 4 of the horses which were destroyed. The prognosis and the feasibility of treatment are discussed in the light of these changes and the associated damage found at post mortem in the deep flexor tendon and its sheath. Trauma to the hock was known to have occurred in half the cases and was suspected in the others.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/565708/