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Updated: Aug 25, 2026
Surgical Closure of Equine Abdomen, Prevention, and Management of Incisional Complications
Published on: May 10, 2024
Treatment of septic common digital extensor tenosynovitis by complete resection in seven horses
Todd M Booth1, John Abbot, Antony Clements
1Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Large Animal Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Roslin Midlothian, Scotland. tbooth@staffmail.ed.ac.uk
Objective:
To describe and evaluate a technique for radical resection of the entire intrathecal component of the common digital extensor tendon (CDET) in horses.
Study Design:
Prospective clinical study.
Animals Or Sample Population:
Seven client-owned horses.
Methods:
Seven horses with wounds that resulted in septic tenosynovitis of the CDET sheath were treated by complete surgical resection of the affected tendon and ablation of the tendon sheath; 5 had previous surgery that was unsuccessful. Time from initial injury to complete resection was 1-22 weeks. In 6 horses, the wound was closed primarily using a closed suction (4 horses), penrose (1), or passive open drainage system (1). In 1 horse, the surgical wound healed by second intention. All horses had postoperative bandaging, antibiotic administration, and physiotherapy.
Results:
Surgical wounds healed primarily in 6 horses and by second intention in 1 horse. Follow-up (mean, 26.4 months; range, 18-38 months) was available for 6 horses; all returned to their athletic performance level without lameness or gait abnormality.
Conclusions:
Complete resection of the CDET was an effective surgical technique for management of chronic septic tenosynovitis.
Clinical Relevance:
Horses with infection of the CDET and its sheath may be returned to long-term soundness without gait abnormality after radical resection.