Tendon and ligament strains and sprains are very common injuries in the lower leg of performance horses. What are tendons and ligaments? A tendon is a fibrous cord by which muscle is attached to bone. A ligament is a band of fibrous tissue that connects bones or cartilages, serving to support and strengthen joints. The most common of these injuries affects the weight bearing digital flexor at the back of the canon bone and fetlock. Many horses suffer tendon and ligament injuries that can possibly end their competitive life if not handled quickly and effectively.
The most common damage is to the superficial digital flexor tendon. This is closet to the skin at the back of the canon bone, and can be palpated from the back of the knee down to the fetlock. The deep digital flexor tendon lies just under it, and under that is the suspensory ligament. The digital flexor tendons are at the back of the leg and are there to support the fetlock joint, and to act as a spring, storing elastic energy when the horse is moving. When the tendons are mature and are exposed to rigorous training and pushed to their limit of resilience, this is when a progressive degeneration of the tendon structure can eventually result in tearing and failure of the tendon. Horses in intense training, especially those that are not properly conditioned, are at the most risk.
Your reaction after a tendon injury can play a major role in determining how your horse responds in the long term. When a tendon is injured, it first will begin to swell. If the injury is gradual over time, the swelling is first called tendonitis. It is important to be an observant horse owner and/or trainer enabling you to pick up any early signs of swelling in tendons.
Causes:
- Direct trauma
- Poor conformation
- Poor foot trimming and balance
- Rough ground
- Excessive fast work on young horses before the horse is conditioned
- Inadequate Conditioning
- Overworking a tired horse
Signs To Look For:
- Lameness
- Swelling
- Thickening or enlargement
- Heat
- Pain or palpitation
- Excess fluid in tendon sheath
- The typical “bow” profile in tendon area
Diagnosis Can Be Based On The Following:
- Clinical signs
- Lameness examination
- Thermography
- Ultrasound Examination
Initial therapy includes icing, bandaging and sweating the limb to decrease inflammation, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy. Thankfully, treatment of tendon damage has progressed significantly over the years. It is important to have a veterinarian that you can count on. You will need their advice when dealing with tendon injuries in horses.
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This newsletter is for informational use only. You should contact your local veterinarian for questions and concerns about all equine health and care issues.
Newsletter is written by Margie Turner. Information sources include the following: Tendon Injuries by Laura Werner, DVM, ACVS, MS, Athletic Animals – Tendon Injuries . Tendon Injuries in Horses, Dr. Patricia J. Provost.