Tendonitis of branches of the superficial digital flexor tendon in Standardbred racehorses: 15 cases

Summary This case report describes the clinical and ultrasonographic findings and performance outcome of distal tendonitis of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in Standardbred racehorses. Cases with distal tendonitis of the SDFT in isolation (not associated with a metacarpal lesion) were reviewed retrospectively. The clinical and ultrasonographic findings and performance outcome were reviewed. The injury was located on the left forelimb in 67% (10/15) of horses and on the right forelimb in 33% (5/15). None of the horses were affected bilaterally. The lateral branch was involved in 80% of the cases (12/15) and medial branch in 20% (3/15). None of the horses were affected biaxially. Mean time between injury and first start ± s.d. was 302 ± 142 days. Returning to racing was observed in 93% of the horses (14/15), with a reinjury rate of 22% (2/9). For horses which raced after the injury, the number of starts, shows and wins was not significantly different before and after injury, regardless of the location of the lesion. Tendonitis of branches of the SDFT in isolation carries a good prognosis in Standardbred racehorses. A higher return to racing and a lower reinjury rate may be expected compared to lesions in the metacarpal region.