Distal Limb Injury
- Case Study 4
Distal Limb Injury
Rehabilitation of a Complex Traumatic Distal Limb Injury
Patient Profile
Age: 2-year-old
Breed: Warmblood
Gender: Mare
Injury: Complex Traumatic Distal Limb Injury
Date of Injury: 2024
Injury Overview : 30.04.2024
This horse sustained a severe traumatic injury in the field, involving multiple structures of the distal limb:
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40% lesion of the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon (DDFT)
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Avulsion fracture of the navicular bone
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Impar ligament involvement
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Lateral oblique sesamoidean ligament damage
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Desmitis of the distal digital annular ligament​
This multifaceted injury required a carefully staged rehabilitation plan focused on stabilising the affected structures, minimizing further strain and promoting tissue healing.
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The mare experienced significant discomfort, spending up to 90% of her time lying down due to pain. Her treatment plan included multiple rounds of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and shockwave sessions. Initially, her leg was casted to stabilise the injury, followed by application of a Patten bar shoe to provide additional support and offload the affected structures.
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Initial Response to EqueStride Injury Management​
Although some improvement was noted, the filly remained reluctant to bear weight on the injured limb prior to intervention.​
EqueStride Injury Rehabilitation Management Started: 09.07.2024
The filly showed improved comfort immediately after application of the EqueStride device and continued to put more weight on the injured leg.
Rehabilitation Protocol:
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Exercise was gradually increased under controlled conditions.
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After one month of consistent use, the filly was turned out for 10 - 11 hours a day, in a small paddock to encourage natural movement while maintaining a safe environment.
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Imaging Follow-Up
Serial ultrasound scans demonstrated clear and consistent improvement in the affected structures over time.
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Initial Imaging Date: 06.06.2024 Review Imaging Date: 20.08.2024
Final Outcome and Recovery Summary
Repeated ultrasound imaging at 2.5 months post-injury management revealed near-complete resolution of the lesion within the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon (DDFT), indicating excellent tissue healing.
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The full course of treatment spanned 8 months. The filly returned to soundness and successfully resumed training one year after the initial injury, with no reported setbacks throughout recovery.
