Intralesional injection of insulin-like growth factor-I for treatment of superficial digital flexor tendonitis in Thoroughbred racehorses: 40 cases (2000–2004)

• DOI: 10.2460/javma.239.7.992
• Publication Date: 2011-10-01T07:04:09Z
• Authors: Thomas H. Witte; Amy E. Yeager; Alan J. Nixon
• Keywords: Tendonitis; Suspensory ligament

Abstract Objective —To evaluate outcome after intralesional injection of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) for treatment superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendonitis in Thoroughbred racehorses. Design —Retrospective case series. Animals —40 Procedures —Medical records racehorses with SDF treated within 13 weeks injury by IGF-I (25 or 50 μg every other day 4 5 treatments) were reviewed. Outcome was determined via analysis race records, owner follow-up, and examination. Results —Mean age the horses 3.1 years (range, 2 to 7 years), time from ranged 8 90 days. Mean ± SD approximate lesion length on admission 15.6 6.0 cm, mean percentage cross-sectional area tendon affected 26 18%. Twenty-six 40 underwent desmotomy accessory ligament tendon. Echolucency reduced 23 end period. Twenty-one 34 (62%) which data available raced at least once treatment, including 10 (30%) that between 1 times 11 (32%) ≥ times. Thirteen 28 (46%) had a recurrence developed elsewhere. Conclusions Clinical Relevance —Results suggested tendonitis, led decrease ultrasonographic severity, but only moderate prognosis return racing.