Case 4: Bilateral Front Limb Lameness with Superficial Digital Flexor Tendonitis

OVERVIEW

The horse presented with

• A Standardbred race horse that presented after a race lame in both the left front and left hind, graded as a Grade 3 lameness.
• Diagnostic imaging confirming acute superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendonitis in the left front.

Gait analysis at presentation showed very mild impact asymmetry in the left front and mild impact asymmetry in the left hind attributed to compensatory hock soreness.

TREATMENT APPROACH

The plan, in order

• equicenta® CTM injected at the site of injury.
• Concurrent EPM medical management for an unrelated diagnosis identified during work-up.
• Stall rest and progressive return to training.

OUTCOME

Day 90 — Results

At the 90-day recheck, the left front was Grade 0 and the original injury had healed on ultrasound. Separately, the horse showed mild soreness in both hind limbs, unrelated to the original tendon injury, which was addressed with a triamcinolone injection to the hocks. The horse had started training and was reported ready to race.

Full Day 0 vs. Day 90 gait comparison

CLINICAL TAKEAWAY

Bilateral SDF tendonitis carries real risk of prolonged downtime, especially in a horse still working toward a racing career. This case shows a clean ultrasound-confirmed healing outcome by Day 90, with the horse back in training and cleared to race.¹

FINAL THOUGHT

Horse First. Sport Second.

At Equine Performance Labs, cases like this reinforce our core belief: meaningful recovery isn’t just about returning to work — it’s about restoring comfort, function, and longevity in every stride.