Tendovaginitis chronica fibrosa in a Holstein heifer

Abstract

A one-and-a-half year old Holstein heifer was presented to the Department of Surgery at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Uludag University, with a swelling on the posterior side of the medial digit of the left hind limb. Clinical examination of the area revealed a solid swelling over the m. flexor digitalis superficialis and profundus tendons. Radiography showed, an increased homogenous opacity extending distally to the heel joint, irregular bone proliferation on the lateral side of the first phalanx bone, and proliferations between the phalanx bones were seen on the distal side of the postmetatarsal region. Ultrasonography revealed a massive formation over the tendons, which had a hypoechoic structure and homogenous echogenity, and consisted of the tendovagina of the tendons. After euthanasia, macroscopic examination revealed the thickened tendovagina and surrounding tissues. Histopathological examination showed proliferation of the connective tissue in the tendovagina, and multifocal diffuse mononuclear cell infiltration was detected. As a result of these findings, tendovaginitis chronica fibrosa was diagnosed.