Desmitis is inflammation of the ____ check ligament

Desmitis is inflammation of the ____ check ligament

• A. DDF
• B. Extensor
• C. Flexor
• D. SDF

Answer: (D)

Desmitis denotes inflammation of a ligament. In the horse, check ligaments are short bands that hold the flexor tendons in place as they pass around the carpus and fetlock, helping control their pull during movement. The one that is most commonly discussed when talking about desmitis is the check ligament associated with the superficial digital flexor tendon. When that ligament becomes inflamed, it is described as desmitis of the SDF check ligament. The deep digital flexor has its own check ligament, so inflammation there would be desmitis of the DDF check ligament. The terminology with the extensor or a vague “flexor” check ligament isn’t used in the same standard way, making the SDF check ligament the specific correct reference here.

Desmitis denotes inflammation of a ligament. In the horse, check ligaments are short bands that hold the flexor tendons in place as they pass around the carpus and fetlock, helping control their pull during movement. The one that is most commonly discussed when talking about desmitis is the check ligament associated with the superficial digital flexor tendon. When that ligament becomes inflamed, it is described as desmitis of the SDF check ligament. The deep digital flexor has its own check ligament, so inflammation there would be desmitis of the DDF check ligament. The terminology with the extensor or a vague “flexor” check ligament isn’t used in the same standard way, making the SDF check ligament the specific correct reference here.