COMPARAÇÃO MORFOLÓGICA DOS CASCOS DOS MEMBROS TORÁCICOS DE EQUINOS SUBMETIDOS À TENOTOMIA DO FLEXOR DIGITAL SUPERFICIAL OU À DESMOTOMIA DE SEU LIGAMENTO ACESSÓRIO

Abstract

The superficial digital flexor tenotomy and desmotomy of its accessories are routinely used in surgical correction of flexural metacarpophalangeal deformities. Aiming to assess the effects of these surgical procedures on hooves morphology, the superficial digital flexor tenotomy and desmotomy of its acessories was proceeded respectively in the right and left forelimbs of nine horses. Preoperatively, 15, 30 and 60 days after surgery, the measurements of the toe, lateral heel, length and width of the sole and the angulation of the same were taken. The hoof deformed in response to both surgical procedures, increasing the length of the toe, decreasing length and increasing the width of the hoof seen from the sole. The tenotomy also promoted the hoof angle elevation. The studied surgical procedures significantly altered the hoove shape by reducing its length and increasing its width, as well as increasing the height of heels.

Keywords

• Equus caballus
• hoof
• hoof gauges
• podiatry