Fig. 20—Contraction of the superficial digital flexor tendon (perforatus) of the right hind leg, due to tendinitis.
In chronic tendinitis there occurs repeated attacks of inflammation wherein lameness is pronounced and there exists in reality, at such times, acute inflammation of a hypertrophic structure, where at no time does inflammation completely subside. Therefore, in chronic tendinitis there is to be found at times the same conditions which characterize acute inflammation, except that there is usually a variance of symptoms because of the difference in the degree of inflammation and pain.
The diagnosis of contraction of tendons is an easy matter because of the fact that relations between the phalanges are constantly changed with tendinous contraction. If one bears in mind the attachments and function of the digital flexors, no difficulty is encountered in recognizing contraction of either tendon.
Contraction of the superficial digital flexor (perforatus), when uncomplicated, is characterized by volar flexion of the pastern joint. The foot is flat on the ground and the heel is not raised because the superficial flexor tendon does not have its insertion to the distal phalanx (os pedis) and therefore can not affect the position of the foot.
By causing the subject to stand on the affected member, one may outline the course of the flexor tendons by palpation, and in this way recognize any lack of tenseness or contraction of tendons or of the suspensory ligament.
