Long-term Prognosis Using Deep Digital Flexor Tenotomy and Realignment Shoeing for Treatment of Chronic Laminitis

Transection of the deep digital flexor tendon is a controversial treatment for chronic laminitis largely because of the variation in personal experience with the procedure and the varying success rates reported in the previously published data. Differences in reported success rates are more likely because of the dissimilarities in foot pathology and the foot management associated with the procedure. This report presents 245 tenotomy cases, in which all cases received the same shoeing protocol (realignment shoeing). Outcomes were determined for the following categories: degree of bone disease, solar penetration, sinking, number of limbs involved, and front or hind feet affected. The success rates by different categories of disease may assist the clinician in formulating a prognosis for similar cases.