This horse is in his early 30's with severe coffin joint arthritis and advanced navicular bone degeneration. When pain reaches this level, a neurectomy becomes a possible salvage option to restore comfort. Before making that decision, the deep digital flexor tendon must be evaluated with precision. After a neurectomy the horse no longer feels early warning signs of overload, so the tendon must be structurally capable of handling the full force of the limb without sensory feedback. If the tendon