Horse Tendon Injury - Rehabilitation Welfare

Welfare during tendon injury rehabilitation in horses, covering rest protocols, controlled exercise, and return to work.

Key Facts

Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injuries affect 8-11% of racehorses and require 6-18 months rehabilitation
Box rest without any exercise causes significant psychological welfare problems in horses requiring management
Controlled exercise progression using aquatreadmill or Pessoa lungeing aids tendon repair without overload
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapies accelerate tendon healing in some studies
Re-injury rate for SDFT is approximately 50-80%, requiring careful monitoring of return to work loading

Welfare Considerations

This topic carries significant welfare implications for the animals involved. Evidence-based management approaches and appropriate veterinary care can substantially improve outcomes.

What You Can Do

Consult your veterinarian or a specialist for guidance specific to your situation
Follow evidence-based management protocols and best practice guidelines
Monitor animals closely and intervene promptly when welfare concerns arise
Stay updated with current research, legislation, and industry standards
Share knowledge with others to improve welfare outcomes across the sector