## Overview Tendinitis of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) in the metacarpal (cannon) region is less common than superficial digital flexor tendon injury but still clinically important. Swelling is often less obvious because the tendon lies deep to other structures. Ultrasound is required for diagnosis. ## Causes Overload, often in performance horses. May occur with or without concurrent superficial digital flexor tendon injury. ## Diagnosis Lameness, pain on deep palpation, and ultrasound demonstration of fiber disruption or core lesions within the DDFT. ## Treatment Rest and controlled, ultrasound-guided rehabilitation similar to other flexor tendon injuries. Adjunctive therapies are sometimes used. ## Recovery and Prognosis Fair to guarded, depending on lesion size. Re-injury risk exists. ## Prevention Gradual conditioning and monitoring for early heat or sensitivity.
swelling deep in the palmar metacarpal region; pain on deep palpation; lameness; ultrasound evidence of tendon damage
## Overview Tendinitis of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) in the metacarpal (cannon) region is less common than superficial digital flexor tendon injury but still clinically important. Swelling is often less obvious because the tendon lies deep to other structures. Ultrasound is required for diagnosis. ## Causes Overload, often in performance horses. May occur with or without concurrent superficial digital flexor tendon injury. ## Diagnosis Lameness, pain on deep palpation, and ultrasound demonstration of fiber disruption or core lesions within the DDFT. ## Treatment Rest and controlled, ultrasound-guided rehabilitation similar to other flexor tendon injuries. Adjunctive therapies are sometimes used. ## Recovery and Prognosis Fair to guarded, depending on lesion size. Re-injury risk exists. ## Prevention Gradual conditioning and monitoring for early heat or sensitivity.
swelling deep in the palmar metacarpal region; pain on deep palpation; lameness; ultrasound evidence of tendon damage