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.
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.
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.
Imaging Follow-Up
Serial ultrasound scans demonstrated clear and consistent improvement in the affected structures over time.
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.
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.
