Can anyone explain this part of a vets report to me

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caths

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Could anyone explain what exactly this report means in plain English as I am not sure! Also would anyone know what the outcome for a horse with these problems would be or if there is any treatment? Also what is the likely cause of these problems. Many thanks for your help.
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Radiographic examination revealed radiolucent areas on the attachment of both collateral ligaments on the distal phalanx

Ultrasonographic examination of the pastern region and collateral ligaments revealed heterogeneous echogenicity of the digital flexor tendon at the distal level of the pastern and an enlarged and hypoechoic medial collateral ligament.

Roughening of the middle phalanx was also noted. A palmar digital nerve block was performed just above the cartilage of the feet and improved the lameness by 70%. Due to these findings the likely diagnosis is collateral ligament desmitis of the distal interphalangeal joint. <font color="red"> </font> <font color="blue"> </font>
 
Ummm... ligament damage and possible arthritis????!!! I do wish they'd write in English. Someone on here will come along with a proper explanation, but I think you're best off having a chat with the vet who did the study assuming that's possible.
 
Basically it means:
'B#ggered coffin joint. May come right with time, remedial shoeing and expensive joint supplement.'
I wouldnt buy a horse like this, but I have known a horse with similar symptoms race and win again soundly. Did take 4 years to get him back though.
 
Hi - thanks for replying. Do you what is likely to cause this problem and also what the symptoms of this are. Is it just recurrent lameness
 
You should ask your vet who can explain exactly what it means, what the outcome is likely to be and what you can do to help.
 
Radiographic examination revealed radiolucent areas on the attachment of both collateral ligaments on the distal phalanx

Radiolucent means not well visible on x-ray, this may mean that there is some thinning or damage to the attachment of the collateral ligaments to the distal phalanx (pedal bone).

Ultrasonographic examination of the pastern region and collateral ligaments revealed heterogeneous echogenicity of the digital flexor tendon at the distal level of the pastern and an enlarged and hypoechoic medial collateral ligament.

Echogenicity is the term used for how white/black an area is on ultrasound. Heterogeneous means not the same. Hypoechoic means that there is a black area indicating a hole or fluid. So basically the collateral ligaments (those which stabilse the joint) and the flexor tendon are showing signs of damage.

Roughening of the middle phalanx was also noted. A palmar digital nerve block was performed just above the cartilage of the feet and improved the lameness by 70%. Due to these findings the likely diagnosis is collateral ligament desmitis of the distal interphalangeal joint.

Roughening of the middle phalanx (short pastern bone) means arthritic changes to the bone. Palmar digital nerve block means they are numbing the nerves supplying the back of the foot. Desmitis means inflammation of a ligament, and the distal interphalangeal joint is the coffin joint. The collateral ligaments support this joint and appear to exhibit some damage.

Hope this helps. Good luck if it is your horse
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This has been so helpful to me and thank you again. The vet who gave me the report was not really clear when I asked specific questions regarding this. However I fully understand now. Is the prognosis good for a horse with these problems - can they come sound again? Last question - honest
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