Desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon in the forelimb of 24 horses 2 years and older

Objective: To report outcome after desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT) in adult horses (≥2 years) for treatment of desmitis of the ALDDFT or flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint (FDDIJ). Study Design: Case series. Animals: Horses with desmitis of the ALDDFT (n=9) and FDDIJ (n=15). Methods: Records (April 1996–July 2008) of 24 adult horses (mean age, 6.7 years) that had ALDDFT desmotomy were reviewed. Follow‐up data was obtained 12–120 months after desmotomy. Results: Outcome was available for 22 horses; 18 (82%; 6 of 8 horses with desmitis of the ALDDFT and 12 of 14 with FDDIJ) returned to their intended use within 6–24 months (mean, 12 months). Conclusion: In mature horses, ALDDFT desmotomy resulted in successful return to intended use in most horses with ALDDFT desmitis (75%) or FDDIJ (86%).