What does it mean if a horse has a bowed tendon?

Tendinitis/tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon, often involving torn collagen fibers. A bowed tendon is a horseman’s term for a tendon after a horse has sustained an injury that causes swelling in one or more tendons creating a “bowed” appearance.

Would you buy a horse with bowed tendons?

If the horse has had six months to a year to recover but hasn’t been in regular work since the injury, you’ll need to follow a very careful legging-up process. Unless you have a great deal of experience in this area, I don’t recommend buying a horse with a bowed tendon unless the bow is more than a year old.

How do you tell if a horse has a bowed tendon?

If the fibers tear apart, the horse will show an arched swelling, commonly known as a bowed tendon, on the back of the cannon bone. Ultrasound images of a bowed tendon show dark areas made up of blood and inflammatory substances within the white tendon matrix.

Can a horse fully recover from a tendon injury?

A: Recovery from anything but the mildest tendon injury can take from nine to 12 months. A severe tear will take longer to heal than a moderate strain, and an older horse will probably heal more slowly than a younger one.

How do you prevent bowed tendons in horses?

Keeping a balanced floor is one of the best ways to avoid bowed tendons. Inadequate conditioning is another risk factor. It is very important that the horse be in extremely good physical condition for the job he’s being asked to do.

Should I wrap a bowed tendon?

It is best to wrap both legs. The healthy leg is wrapped to offer support for all the extra weight it is now bearing. Depending on the severity of the injury the horse may need leg wraps for up to three weeks. In the early stages of treatment the tendon should be immobilized.

Does a bowed tendon cause lameness?

Symptoms of Bowed Tendons in Horses Pain in the area, especially when weighted upon or touched. Swelling. Heat. Lameness.

How long does it take for a horse’s tendon to heal?

Most tendon injuries require at least 3 months of restricted exercise (e.g., walking in hand or on a horse walker). Repeat tendon scans are invaluable for assessing healing before exercise levels are increased. In many horses, it is a year before they are fit to compete again.

How long does a bowed tendon take to heal on a horse?

Bowed tendons vary in severity, but complete healing takes a long time. Clinical signs may resolve within days if you rest the horse and give anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. Bute). Generally, the swelling returns with premature work or stress. It can take 8 to 11 months for the tendon to repair itself completely.

How long does it take for a horses tendon to heal?

Can a horse recover from a bowed tendon?

It will be very important to take it slow while your horse continues to heal. Full recovery from a bowed tendon may be possible depending on the horse. If your horse is a racehorse or competition horse, the success rate of him returning back to work is guarded.

What is a bowed tendon in horses?

Bowed tendon is a common term used by horse owners, trainers, and professionals to describe a tendon which has suffered a sort of injury. When it is not treated properly, the fibers can become torn.

What is bowed tendonitis?

Bowed tendon refers to tendon swelling that appears as a bow in the leg. Chronic stress or an injury can cause a bowed tendon. Treatment includes complete rest, anti-inflammatory drugs and gradual return to exercise. Full recovery can take 8 to 11 months. Premature work or stress can re-injure the tendon. Figure 1.

What is a tendon injury in a horse?

Tendon injuries can occur in any leg, but are most common in the front legs of horses. The superficial flexor tendon, just behind the cannon bone, is most often injured followed by the deep flexor tendon.