Medial patellar desmotomy in cattle and horses in the field: surgical and clinical-pathological aspects - case report

ABSTRACT Dorsal fixation of patella (FDP) is one of the main causes of lameness in cattle and horses, resulting in locomotor instability. The present study describes surgical and clinical-pathological aspects of medial patellar desmotomy performed in the field in four cows and three horses with intermittent FDP, mild to severe degree. Animals were submitted to general clinical exam and locomotor evaluation in stationary position and in movement, being referred to surgical intervention. The technique was well succeeded in all cases, demonstrating its efficiency and maintaining the animals alive and functional. Furthermore, the economic viability of the procedure in the field was considered favorable, representing an accessible alternative to FDP management in field situations.