Proximal Metatarsal Lameness in Sports Horses: A Clinical Approach to Diagnosis

Proximal metatarsal pain is most commonly caused by desmopathy or enthesopathy of the proximal part of the suspensory ligament. Diagnosis of the causes of proximal metatarsal pain has improved markedly with the use of more specific regional analgesic techniques, objective techniques of lameness quantification, and cross-sectional imaging methods. However, even diagnostic anesthesia of the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve cannot be considered totally specific for the diagnosis of proximal suspensory desmitis. Treatment methods are often unsuccessful, and neurectomy of the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve may be necessary to regain soundness. Author’s address: Clinéquine, Campus Vétérinaire de l’Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, 69280 Marcy L’Etoile, France; e-mail: [email protected]. © 2013 AAEP.