Diagnosis and Treatment of Distal Tarsal and Proximal Metatarsal Lameness

Proximal plantar metatarsal pain can be defined as lameness that improves following anesthesia of the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve or other forms of subtarsal anesthesia. Proximal plantar metatarsal pain appears to have become the most commonly diagnosed cause of hindlimb lameness in Sports Horses, even more common than distal tarsal joint pain. While the diagnosis of proximal suspensory desmitis (PSD) in Sports Horses appears to have increased in recent years, the reasons for this remain poorly understood. Improved recognition not only by veterinarians but also by equestrian professionals certainly has played a role. Modern training demands, regimes and surfaces may also contribute. Predisposing factors have been identified as dressage training not only at advanced level but also at lower, non-elite levels, straight hocks and hyperextended fetlock conformation. […]