Tendon injuries in horses require prolonged rehabilitation programs that balance the need for rest with the welfare costs of confinement and the risk of re-injury from inadequate recovery.
Tendon injuries create a welfare dilemma: complete rest promotes healing but causes psychological suffering in an active species, while premature exercise risks re-injury and permanent disability. The prolonged nature of rehabilitation - often over a year - means horses experience extended periods of restricted activity. Poorly managed rehabilitation that results in re-injury condemns the horse to repeated cycles of painful injury and confinement. Evidence-based rehabilitation programs that balance controlled exercise with appropriate rest, guided by ultrasonographic monitoring, provide the best welfare outcome by optimizing healing while minimizing confinement stress.