Surgical drainage of tenosynovitis of the common digital extensors

An eight-year old suckling cow was presented with supporting limb lameness of the right forelimb of two weeks duration, which worsened after the debridement of an ulcer on the sole of the hoof of this limb. Distension in the carpal zone was observed and an ultrasonography examination of the area was realised. An anechogenic liquid containing echogenic material was observed in the interior of the tendon sheath of the common digital extensor tendon. The infection found in the sheath of this tendon was treated surgically, with debridement of lesions and placement of drains. The lameness was resolved.