How to deal with tendon problems in horses?

Tendon injuries are common problems in horses. They are often discovered as swelling that does not go away or a suddenly lame horse.
Unfortunately, tendon injuries are often prolonged, and the rehabilitation is long and slow. With a tendon injury, you should expect a rehabilitation period of months.

What is the function of tendons?

Tendons connect muscles to bones. Tendons are long collagen fibers that are bundled together. These bundles form larger bundles with other bundles. Together, this gives the tendon elastic properties to withstand large forces. A horse also has ligaments (often referred to as tendons), which are connections between two bones. Ligaments have the same structure as fibers and are also susceptible to injuries.

What is a tendon injury?

Tendons are damaged gradually, until the damage becomes so severe that a tear occurs. Especially show jumpers and racehorses have to endure extreme forces, increasing the risk of injuries. These sports often lead to acute tendon injuries as tendons are stretched too far.
In dressage, tendon injuries often occur due to overloading and are often an accumulation of damages.
However, tendon injuries can also occur due to overheating, infection, or external influences. Most tendon injuries in horses occur in the superficial flexor and deep flexor tendons due to overloading.

How to recognize a tendon injury?

To recognize a tendon injury early, it is important to know your horse. Regularly check your horse's legs for swelling and/or warmth. Sudden lameness can also be a sign of a tendon injury.

How to treat a tendon injury?

If a tendon injury is diagnosed, it is important to cool in the acute phase. Cooling reduces the inflammatory response and stimulates blood flow. During this period, it is advisable to rest the horse. Veterinarians often recommend complete stall rest, depending on the severity of the injury. If your horse is extremely restless, consider creating a small paddock or fencing off a piece of land. The horse will remain calmer as it stays with friends and follows a normal routine. An anxious horse in the stall can cause harm to itself and become dangerous once work is resumed.
In consultation with the veterinarian, gradually reintroduce work after the acute phase. The veterinarian may create a schedule and slowly increase the duration of training. Scans can be used to monitor the progress of the injury.

Providing supplements during a tendon injury?

Tendons are poorly nourished, making it difficult for nutrients to reach them. It is advisable to supplement with silicon, as silicon is a building material for all connective tissue. Damaged tendons do not regenerate tendon tissue, but rather connective tissue (which is less elastic). Silicon helps in the formation of connective tissue, but also serves as the raw material for tendon tissue.
MSM (sulfur) is often used for tendon injuries, as sulfur has antioxidant properties that can contribute to recovery. Be sure to use pure, natural sulfur.