In this study, tendinous injuries were induced experimentally in horses, through the administration of different doses of collagenase. Twelve horses, clinically healthy, were distributed into two groups that received different doses of collagenase. Group 1 (G1) received 1.25mg and Group 2 (G2) received 2.5mg of collagenase. With the needle positioned at the center of the superficial digital flexor tendon in the equine forelimbs, different doses of collagenase were applied in agreement the experimental group. The monitoring of colagenase-induced tendonitis was based on physical and ultrasonographic exams, carried out every seven days until the period of 28 days post-induction. In the images of ultrasound were evaluated the echogenicity, the percentage of injured area, degree of reduction and severity of injuries of colagenase-induced tendonitis. The most accurate parameter in response to different doses of collagenase administered was the percentage of area injured in the interior of the tendon. The G2 presented one better ultrasonographic reply of the tendonitis of the superficial digital flexor for the accomplishment of experimental studies.
tendonitis; colagenase; ultrasound; equine
