tendon(s) and lameness that increases with exercise. In cases involving both flexor tendons a fetlock may be seen when weight-bearing.
In the chronic stage a bowed tendon is palpable as a thickening or of the flexor tendons and is seen as a decrease in the range of motion of the fetlock. Low grade edema of the flexor tendon sheath may be present and may increase with exercise. Diagnosis of a bowed tendon is made through case history, clinical signs and symptoms, palpation as well as ultrasonography. Thermography or a CT scan may be used. Treatment of a bowed tendon depends on location and severity.
Mild rest, hand-walking, support bandaging, oral NSAID’s, the application of topical anti- inflammatory products such as DMSO gel and cold hydrotherapy. CEP to return to exercise.
Moderate to Severe rest, hand-walking, support bandaging, oral NSAID’s, the application of topical anti-inflammatory products such as DMSO gel and cold hydrotherapy. Surgery in more severe cases is recommended. This can include or check ligament desmotomy. CEP to return to exercise. This should include strengthening exercises and stretches. Other beneficial treatments include HA injections, hot hydrotherapy, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, therapeutic application of magnets, cryotherapy, laser therapy and therapeutic ultrasound. Recently the use of stem cell implantation, PRP or IRAP in the acute stage of tendon injury has been shown to stimulate healing through regeneration rather than replacement resulting in a better prognosis for the return to athletic work.
The less fibre disruption of the tendon, the better the prognosis. In moderate to severe cases or horses that return to work too soon are at increased risk for ‘re-bowing’ the tendon.
Prevention of bowed tendons include regular shoeing/trimming, use of exercise bandages, appropriate training & conditioning of the horse, working in appropriate footing and close observation of a horses tendons before & after work. Tendon Lacerations or Ruptures Severe strains or complete rupture of the tendon resulting in dysfunction due to direct trauma or extreme over-stretching can lead to partial or complete tendon lacerations or ruptures.
Common tendons affected include: Flexor tendons of limb Extensor tendons of limb Peroneus tertius Common Calcanean tendon Pre-pubic tendon
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