Digital flexor tenotomy for the treatment of digital pad corns in sighthounds

Authors: Guilliard MJ, Doughty RW
Publication: Australian Veterinary Practitioner, Volume 51, Issue 3, pp 151-158, Sep 2021
Publisher: Australian Veterinary Association

Subject Terms: Clinical examination, Surgery, Tendon/ligament
Article class: Clinical Report

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Abstract:

Corns are a common cause of lameness in sighthounds. Treatments have included medical management, hulling and surgical excision. The present study investigated the use of superficial digital flexor (SDF) tenotomy, at the level of the metacarpus/metatarsus, and combined superficial and deep digital flexor (S+DDF) tenotomy, at the level of the first phalanx (P1), as treatments. The study involved a total of 100 sighthounds with a total of 161 corns. At presentation, 27 dogs had multiple corns. Fourteen dogs developed further corns during the study period.

Both treatments proved to be effective. By 8-weeks post-operatively, 97% of dogs had no or mild lameness (both tenotomy groups considered together). Corns subsequently exfoliated in 95% of dogs. SDF tenotomy was always selected if there were other major digital defects and subsequently became the treatment of choice.

Major complications were uncommon. Hyperextension of P1/P2 was occasionally seen with S+DDF tenotomy. Corn recurrence occasionally occurred with both surgeries, due to tendon reconnection. Consequently, the authors’ currently recommended treatment is SDF tendonectomy.

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