Tendonosis – degeneration of collagen fibres in a tendon in response to chronic over-use injuries, vascular compression or not allowing sufficient time for a tendon injury to heal
Tenosynovitis – inflammation of the synovial sheath surrounding a tendon
Tendon Strain Tendon strain is defined as the tearing of collagen fibres within a tendon.
Micro-trauma, direct trauma or prolonged compression of a tendon all cause tendonitis leading to tendon strains.
Tendonitis or strain causes and hypoxia of the tissue. Hypoxic damage is initially seen as cellular swelling, but if it is sustained tissue necrosis occurs. Tissue necrosis results in inflammation in the surrounding tissue. Repeated strain of a tendon causes tearing and necrosis of tendon fibres and associated vasculature. This damage causes an inflammatory reaction in the surrounding tissue. Swelling associated with inflammation pushes the collagen fibres of the tendon apart and causes a straightening of their crimp pattern, resulting in a weakened, less elastic tendon. Tendonitis & strains is most commonly seen in the lower limbs of horses. Those that work at high speed or in deep, slippery footing also increases the risk of tendonitis or strains. Inadequate training and muscular have also been shown to contribute to the development of tendonitis or strains as the horse relies on the inherent elasticity of the tendons to support the fetlock and provide some of the propulsive phase of the stride rather than using force generated by muscular contraction.
There are 3 classes of strains: Mild – Moderate – Severe –
The clinical manifestations of tendonitis & strains include pain on palpation of the affected tendon, pain on active stretch of the affected tendon, pain on passive stretch of the affected tendon, heat and swelling at the site of injury of the affected tendon, lameness, decreased ROM, decreased on the affected limb. Bruising & muscle spasms may accompany tendonitis. If the condition is chronic there may be fibrosis or adhesion formation of the affected area, a decrease in stretch and range of motion, and an increase in pain, stiffness and lameness with exercise. Diagnosis of tendonitis & strains is made through case history, clinical signs and symptoms, palpation, ultrasonography, thermography or MRI. X-rays should be taken to ensure no avulsion fracture has occurred.
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