Desmectomy of a septic accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon in the hindlimb of a horse under standing sedation

A horse presented with a discharging wound over the proximal aspect of the right metatarsal region. Examination, radiography and ultrasonography diagnosed a septic process within the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT). Due to previous unsuccessful treatment with systemic antibiotics as well as financial restrictions, an ALDDFT desmectomy was performed with the patient under standing sedation and local analgesia. Histopathology confirmed the septic process within the affected structure. The patient made a rapid recovery and was discharged from the hospital 7 days post operatively and 2 years later was still in full work. This report describes the first case of infective hindlimb ALDDFT and the first desmectomy of this structure performed under standing sedation.