Do You Ride Horses?
No? Okay, do you care about horses?
If you are not interested in horses, nothing is here for you. I say that to be kind because I value your time, which is purely about horse care.
You’ll have heard the term ‘bowed tendon’ if you've been around horses long. For many, it is a term most non-riders associate with racehorses. In reality, any breed or type of horse performing almost any activity can be at risk for tendon injury.
The ‘bowed tendon’ refers to tearing the superficial digital flexor tendon in the middle of the cannon bone region.
This tear causes a curved, bow-like swelling on the back of the leg between the knee and the ankle. Although the swelling is usually in the middle of the cannon bone, it may be behind the knee, at the ankle level, or extending from the knee to the pastern.
Thunder recently suffered from this problem but was never lame, so a good horseperson checks regularly, especially after an activity like cross country or jumping.
Tendon injuries can be more severe than some fractures because the tendon heals slowly and replaces torn tendon fibres with fibrous scar tissue. The healed tendon is less elastic, leaving the tendon vulnerable to re-injury.
Sadly, while Thunder enjoys the life of Riley! He will never return to his previous level of performance due to persistent weakness of the tendon.
The superficial digital flexor tendon is made of protein fibres that are arranged longitudinally, forming a long attachment between the muscle above the knee and the long and short pastern bones just above the hoof.
While Thunder is not and never has been a jumper, he can sometimes get into an improper leg position in relation to where his body weight can tear the tendon fibres.
Thunder has undergone a lot of therapy. The best way to ensure a successful outcome is through prompt ultrasonographic diagnosis, treatment, careful monitoring, ice packs or cold hosing, bandaging his leg, confining him to his stall for three months to eight months, and giving him short walks, good food, and a lot of love.
Although tendon injuries are serious, Thunder will recover if given enough time, as old as he is (16), and return to athletic function. Even in the case of a severe tear, a horse is likely to be able to return to a less strenuous activity.
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