Equine Orthopaedics and Rheumatology Q&A 11

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An 11-year-old eventer injured the dorsal aspect of its right hock on a wire fence.

Question	Answer		Article
What important structures do you think have been damaged?	The long digital extensor tendon has been completely severed. The periosteum has been stripped off the dorsal surface of the third metatarsus.		Link to Article
What clinical signs are likely to be present?	Lameness, together with loss of extensor function in the distal limb revealed by the horse being unable to extend the fetlock.		Link to Article
Is treatment likely to be successful?	Most horses regain extensor function with conservative management. Even injuries as severe as this will recover eventually with careful, assiduous nursing. Sequestration of superficial dorsal metatarsal bony cortex may occur at 2–3 weeks post injury.		Link to Article