Equine Tendon Injury: Welfare and Rehabilitation

Superficial digital flexor tendon injury is one of the most common and welfare-significant musculoskeletal conditions in performance horses, causing acute pain and requiring prolonged rehabilitation with risk of re-injury.

Key Facts

Tendon injuries account for a significant proportion of career-ending conditions in racehorses and sport horses
The superficial digital flexor tendon is most commonly affected due to the forces it withstands
Healing involves replacement with scar tissue weaker than the original tendon, prone to re-injury
MRI and ultrasound are used to assess injury severity and monitor healing progress
Regenerative therapies including platelet-rich plasma and stem cell treatments are increasingly used

Welfare Considerations

Tendon injuries cause acute lameness and pain, followed by a prolonged convalescence period of many months during which horses must be confined and restricted in movement. This confinement itself causes welfare concerns as horses are highly motivated to move and socialise. Re-injury during rehabilitation is common and deeply discouraging for both horse and owner. A carefully structured rehabilitation programme, combined with appropriate pain management and attention to the psychological wellbeing of the horse during confinement, is essential for welfare.

What You Can Do

Work with a veterinary physiotherapist to design and monitor a structured rehabilitation programme
Provide appropriate mental stimulation for horses confined during tendon rehabilitation
Discuss pain management options with your vet throughout the recovery period
Ensure gradual return to work guided by ultrasound assessment rather than time alone