Long-Term Prognosis of Complete Rupture of the Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon in 25 Horses – A Retrospective Study

A total of 48 horses with unilateral (n = 44) or bilateral (n = 4) overstrain-induced complete rupture of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in the forelimbs were retrospectively analysed. A telephone questionnaire, carried out an average of 5,9 years post-injury, served as a long-term follow-up in 25 horses. The mortality rate associated with SDF tendonitis was 12,0 % (3/25). Superficial digital flexor tendonitis did not recur in 76,0 % (19/25) of the horses, but at least one subsequent episode occurred in 24,0 % (6/25). The results of this study indicate that it is reasonable to treat horses with complete rupture of the SDFT; the prognosis for return to light ridden exercise (81,0 %) or achieving pasture soundness (14,0 %) is good. However, the rehabilitation period is long, a minimum of one year in most cases. This study also highlights the importance of monitoring for recurrence after the initial episode of overstrain-induced complete rupture of the SDFT.