Superficial digital flexor tendon injuries are among the most common and welfare-significant injuries in sport horses, requiring prolonged rehabilitation and careful management to prevent recurrence.
SDFT injuries cause acute pain from tendon fibre tearing, followed by chronic welfare compromise from prolonged box rest and restricted exercise. Box rest itself causes psychological welfare problems including frustration, stereotypic behaviour, and reduced social interaction. Rehabilitation programmes that gradually increase exercise while monitoring ultrasound healing balance the competing welfare needs of physical healing and psychological enrichment. Return to work before adequate healing causes re-injury with worse prognosis and repeated welfare compromise. Monitoring compliance with rehabilitation programmes and providing turnout for horses tolerating it improves psychological welfare during the extended recovery period.