Superficial digital flexor tendonitis in Thoroughbred race horses: outcome following non‐surgical treatment and superior check desmotomy

There was no statistically significant difference between treatment groups in the proportions of horses able to complete five or more races after an episode of superficial digital flexor tendonitis. Superior check desmotomy did not appear to offer an advantage over non-surgical treatment in preventing recurrent or new injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses. Horses undergoing superior check desmotomy appeared to be at greater risk of developing suspensory ligament injuries than horses managed non-surgically.