Superficial Digital Flexor Tendonectomy
Superficial Digital Flexor Tendonectomy (SDFT) is a surgical procedure used to treat corns on a dog’s paw, commonly seen in greyhounds but not exclusive to them. As passionate dog lovers—especially of greyhounds—our veterinarians bring a wealth of experience in managing this treatable condition with care and expertise. We’re here to help your dog feel more comfortable and happy. Here’s everything you need to know about SDFT and how we can assist.
What is a corn?
Corns are the most common skin condition reported in sight hounds such as greyhounds. Corns appear as raised, circular areas of thickened or hyperkeratotic paw pad tissue. The forelimbs and central paw pads of digits 3 and 4 are most affected. Corns are commonly caused by repeated mechanical trauma or increased pressure placed on the paw pad. Greyhounds often have less cushioning or fatty tissue within their paw pads, making them more prone to paw pad thickening and subsequent corn development.
What are the clinical signs that my greyhound has a corn?
- Circular, raised, thickened lesion in the centre of the paw pad.
- Pain when squeezing or applying pressure to the affected paw pad.
- Lameness that worsens when walking on hard surfaces such as concrete and asphalt compared to walking on grass.
- Poor response or lameness that does not resolve with routine pain-medication.
What Does SDFT Involve?
Corns are treated via a procedure called a superficial digital flexor tendonectomy. This now the gold standard treatment for corns in Greyhounds. This technique involves isolating and cutting the superficial digital flexor tendon that connects to the affected paw pad with the corn.
The surgery begins by making a small 1-2 cm incision in the skin overlying the tendon below the wrist or ankle joint. The superficial digital flexor tendon sheath is identified, and a haemostat is placed beneath the tendon. The limb is flexed and extended via the use of an assistant to ensure the surgeon has isolated the correct tendon.
Then, the tendon is surgically cut or transected via a sharp scalpel blade. The tendon edges are then debrided by removing approximately 10mm of the tendon to reduce the risk of the tendon re-connecting.
This procedure results in the paw pads sitting flatter to the ground than normal which reduces mechanical loading and pressure placed on the paw pads. Corns often have deep roots that impinge on the superficial digital flexor tendon and bone during weight-bearing, causing pain. Once the tendon is cut, this limits forces transmitted via the corn onto the tendon and bone during weight-bearing. Over time, the corn will begin to grow out on its own and disappear entirely.
Previously, it was common to remove corns via dissection of the corn and underlying tissues. This technique is reported to have a recurrence rate of 50% after 12 months.
Recovery from SDFT Surgery
Corns take approximately 8-10 weeks to disappear following surgery. However, most owners will notice an immediate improvement in comfort levels and lameness within 14 days post-surgery.
There are two external sutures that will need to be removed 10-14 days post-surgery. A soft bandage is often placed after the procedure to help protect the sutures and incision site. Your Greyhound may require 2-3 bandage changes in the recovery period. Strict rest and limited physical activity with only leashed walks to the toilet strongly recommended until the sutures have been removed.
Why Choose Us?
At Lynbrook Vet, we have extensive experience performing Superficial Digital Flexor Tendonectomies (SDFT) and caring for your pets as if they were our own. Don’t just take our word for it—read our reviews to hear from other pet owners who trust us with their beloved animals. Our commitment to you and your pet continues long after you leave our clinic; we’re here to support you every step of the way until your pet is fully recovered. If you’d like to learn more about SDFT procedures or have any questions about your pet’s care, our friendly team is always here to help.