## Overview Wounds on the front (dorsal) aspect of the cannon bone can lacerate the extensor tendons. Damage to the common digital extensor or lateral digital extensor compromises the horse’s ability to advance the limb, resulting in knuckling or toe dragging. Complete severance produces more severe dysfunction. ## Causes Trauma from kicks, wire, or other penetrating injuries. ## Diagnosis Visual inspection of the wound plus assessment of limb function (knuckling, inability to extend the digit). Ultrasound evaluates tendon integrity. ## Treatment Wound care, antibiotics, and, when tendons are lacerated, surgical repair or prolonged external support (splinting or casting) to allow healing. Rehabilitation is lengthy. ## Recovery and Prognosis Fair if tendons are partially damaged and supported. Complete severance carries a more guarded outlook for full function. ## Prevention Safe fencing and turnout management.
wound on the front of the cannon; knuckling; inability to advance the toe; toe dragging if the extensor tendon is severed
## Overview Wounds on the front (dorsal) aspect of the cannon bone can lacerate the extensor tendons. Damage to the common digital extensor or lateral digital extensor compromises the horse’s ability to advance the limb, resulting in knuckling or toe dragging. Complete severance produces more severe dysfunction. ## Causes Trauma from kicks, wire, or other penetrating injuries. ## Diagnosis Visual inspection of the wound plus assessment of limb function (knuckling, inability to extend the digit). Ultrasound evaluates tendon integrity. ## Treatment Wound care, antibiotics, and, when tendons are lacerated, surgical repair or prolonged external support (splinting or casting) to allow healing. Rehabilitation is lengthy. ## Recovery and Prognosis Fair if tendons are partially damaged and supported. Complete severance carries a more guarded outlook for full function. ## Prevention Safe fencing and turnout management.
wound on the front of the cannon; knuckling; inability to advance the toe; toe dragging if the extensor tendon is severed