Tendon injuries are devastating and common in sport and racing horses, causing significant suffering and requiring extensive rehabilitation.
Tendon injuries cause acute and chronic pain at multiple stages: initial injury, inflammatory response, and subsequent reinjury during rehabilitation are all painful events for horses. The inflammatory phase of tendon injury causes significant local swelling, heat, and pain that impairs normal limb use. Prolonged box rest, while necessary for early healing, causes psychological distress and secondary musculoskeletal problems in animals designed for movement. The poor healing quality of tendon tissue means reinjury is a persistent threat with each exercise increment, placing horses in a prolonged state of reduced welfare during rehabilitation. Racing horses face economic pressure to return to training prematurely, with welfare interests subordinated to commercial considerations. Retirement from competition and transition to light work is often the most welfare-positive outcome for horses with severe tendon injuries, requiring compassionate owner decision-making.