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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Extensor tendon injuries frequently involve the '''metacarpal and metatarsal regions''' in horses.

Extensor tendon injuries frequently involve the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|'''metacarpal and metatarsal regions''']]  in horses.

'''Trauma''' is the usual cause.

'''Trauma''' is the usual cause.

These injuries are often '''avulsion-type''' trauma and may be accompanied by '''secondary bone trauma and sequestration''' of the cannon bone.

These injuries are often '''avulsion-type''' trauma and may be accompanied by '''secondary bone trauma and sequestration''' of the cannon bone.

==Clinical signs==

==Clinical Signs==

These injuries do not usually cause severe lameness but they interrupt the horse's ability to protract the limb and lay the foot flat on the ground in the cranial stride.

These injuries do not usually cause severe [[Lameness - Horse|lameness]] but they interrupt the horse's ability to protract the limb and lay the foot flat on the ground in the cranial stride.

The horse will therefore '''stumble''' and appear reluctant to extend its limbs.

The horse will therefore '''stumble''' and appear reluctant to extend its limbs.

Many lacerations and wounds cannot be closed due to the severity of the trauma and are treated with '''second-intention healing'''.

Many lacerations and wounds cannot be closed due to the severity of the trauma and are treated with '''second-intention healing'''.

Weight-bearing is permitted by appying '''splints, soft casts or resin-reinforced bandages'''. The main aim of these is to '''prevent dorsal knuckling of the fetlock'''.

Weight-bearing is permitted by applying '''splints, soft casts or resin-reinforced bandages'''. The main aim of these is to '''prevent dorsal knuckling of the fetlock'''.

The extensor tendon ends do not need to be sutured for a successful outcome.

The extensor tendon ends do not need to be sutured for a successful outcome.

Stashak, T. (2009) '''Equine Wound Management''' ''John Wiley and Sons''

Stashak, T. (2009) '''Equine Wound Management''' ''John Wiley and Sons''