JENNIFER M. COHEN VMD, ROBERT K. SCHNEIDER DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS, CHAD J. ZUBROD DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS, SARAH N. SAMPSON DVM Veterinary surgery June 2008 Volume 37 Issue 4 Page 336-344 Objective—(1) To describe the clinical signs and abnormalities observed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 7 horses with desmitis of the distal digital annular ligament (DDAL); (2) to describe the normal magnetic resonance (MR) appearance and thickness of the DDAL in health; and (3) to describe a tenoscopic surgical technique for treating horses with desmitis of the DDAL. Study Design—Retrospective study. Animals—Horses (n=7) with desmitis of the DDAL. Methods—MR examinations of 20 sound horses were reviewed to determine the normal appearance of the DDAL. Dimensions obtained from these images were compared with MR findings from 7 horses with DDAL desmitis. Desmitis of the DDAL was treated by tenoscopic surgery and outcome assessed. Results—Horses with DDAL desmitis had lameness (grade 2–3 out of 5) that improved after a palmar digital nerve block. The affected DDAL was enlarged and had an abnormal signal on MR images of the feet. After tenoscopy and DDAL transection, 5 horses returned to athletic performance, including 2 horses that failed to respond to medical treatment and rest before surgery. Conclusion—Primary desmitis of the DDAL is a cause of lameness in horses. Transection of the DDAL allowed 5 horses with this injury to return to athletic performance. Clinical Relevance—DDAL desmitis should be included in the differential diagnoses of horses with lameness that improves after a palmar digital nerve block but have no abnormalities observed on radiographs of the feet. Tenoscopic surgical transection of the DDAL is an effective treatment for some horses.

• Equine
• Imaging
• Ligament
• MRI