Equine Tendonitis and Desmitis Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Tendonitis (tendon inflammation) and desmitis (ligament inflammation) represent some of the most common and career-limiting soft tissue injuries in performance horses. These conditions account for approximately 43-54% of all musculoskeletal injuries in equine athletes and are a leading cause of early retirement and wastage in the racing and sport horse industries. Understanding the anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions is essential for the NAVLE examination.

The most commonly affected structures include the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), suspensory ligament (SL), and accessory ligaments. Forelimbs are more frequently affected than hindlimbs due to the greater weight-bearing load they experience during locomotion.

Functional Anatomy

The palmar/plantar aspect of the equine distal limb contains the key structures involved in weight-bearing and locomotion. Understanding their anatomy is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.