Surgical management of chronic laminitis in horses: 13 cases (1983-1985)
Allen, D.; White, N.A.; Foerner, J.F.; Gordon, B.J.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 189(12): 1604-1606
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 3793603 Document Number: 277287
Thirteen horses with chronic refractory laminitis were evaluated and treated. In each horse, deep digital flexor tenotomy was performed on all affected limbs at the level of the midpastern. Five horses returned to limited athletic endeavours, 6 horses improved and were comfortable on pasture, 1 horse improved clinically but was destroyed for economic reasons, and 1 horse improved but deteriorated 9 months after surgery and was destroyed. Results of this study indicated that deep digital flexor tenotomy at the level of the midpastern can be used effectively as a salvage procedure in horses with chronic refractory laminitis.