Case Presentation:

This was a 22 year old Welsh Section B, who came in from the field 8/10th lame on the left hind limb. There was a significant swelling just above the fetlock (as shown in the picture). There was a focal area of pain when palpated just over the location of the Manica Flexoria.

The Manica Flexoria is an “extension / band like structure” of the Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon (SDFT) that wraps the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon (DDFT) just above the fetlock.

So what did we do:

• On the basis of the acute on set and clinical findings we put local anaesthetic into the tendon sheath – this resulted in a sound horse.
• At the same time we put Barium into the tendon sheath and performed a contrast study. The images are seen to the left.
• From the scan and X-ray images we knew there was a potential tear in the Manica.
• We then referred the horse for surgery.

This video shows the damaged Manica Flexoria

This video shows the damaged Manica Flexoria removed

The removal of the manica has resulted in a completely sound horse who is now back into work. All of the diagnostic workup was done at the yard – including all of the X-rays, scans and contrast study. Give the practice a call to see if we can help your horse.