Anyone dealt with a tendon injury? Advice needed

[baymareb]

My mare injured an extensor tendon in her off hind last year. I treated and re-habbed and it's been fine. She's sound as a dollar on it.

However... the site itself has ever since been just slightly different than the other leg. You wouldn't notice it at a casual glance but looking closely you can see that it's just a tiny bit ... different. I've put that down to scar tissue but haven't been worried about it.

I wrap her every time I work her, just to be on the safe side. And I'm constantly checking her legs (which probably drives her batty). As for work, she's not working hard - very light riding and lots of groundwork.

Maybe a week or two ago, I noticed that leg seemed just a little warm at the tendon. It was hard to even tell for sure since she'd been outside in the sun, but it did seem just a titch warmer than the other. I've been checking it even more obsessively than I usually do ever since - some days it doesn't seem a bit different than the other, other days it seems like there is an infinitesimal bit of warmth.

It was like that today. I wrapped her and walked her, brought her in the round pen and free lunged, asked for a trot both ways - she moves perfectly. No head bob, perfectly even strides, steady rhythm. After the workout and after taking off her wraps and giving her legs time to cool down, I checked again. Just the same - no warmer than it was to begin with, but a bit warmer than the other.

So the question - should I be concerned at this point? Is it common to find a bit of heat in an area of scar tissue? Do you have any experience with something similar?

I realize that the only kind of definitive answer I'll get is to call in my vet and ultrasound it. But being that she shows no sign of discomfort, swelling, lameness or anything else, it seems premature.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

[Chestnut mare]

It's best to check with the vet to be sure.
But about 4 years my mare had her annular ligament cut to release tension in the tendon sheath and the area has always remained swollen.
It's normal for her and I'm not concerned as she is totally sound. It has not had heat in the though. Have u tried cold hosing it?

 

[Silmarillion]

Cold hose, as much as possible. If you're really worried, get the vet - that's what they're for!

I delayed getting vet to mine when she did her tendon, and have regretted it ever since.

 

[skychick]

Before i start....im no expert!......
But...my mare did her DDFT in her hind leg 4 yrs ago......was rehabed, back into work was sound as a pound galloping fit and doing hunter trials etc....stupid twonk tweaked it again pratting about in the field.....one day......she had 2 yrs off....having her second foal and i got her in august (she is my friends horse iv got on loan) last year to bring back into work so i didnt actually deal with the re hab or injury myself.
As regards her leg.....10 months on we are fully hacking and schooling fit, she is jumping courses of jumps ~2ft 3 ish and some a bit higher.
Her leg is slightly different to the other one, its got a wind gall either side of her fetlock, they seem to cause no trouble. Her leg sometimes is a bit puffy in the winter when she was in a bit (she is a prat in the field so doesnt get turned out in really boggy or icy weather as she has no self preservation!!!!!)
Its actually better with more work. I hack 4 or 5 times a week, school once a week and have a lesson once a week.
I before, during and after excercise both legs remain the same temperature. The only time there has ever been any heat in the old injured area was when she kicked herself pratting about in the snow, then it was slightly warm for maybe 2 days.
So yeah it looks slightly different, but it feels the same temperature.
But i know what you mean about checking legs.....im anal about it! my mare is prob totally fed up with me looking at her near hind!
If you are worried ask your vet

 

[Maesfen]

If it is a different heat to the other leg then, yes, I would either get it checked out again or ease off on the work she's getting as the heat is a warning something's not right. The more you listen to it now, the easier it will be to repair. Leave it at your peril.

 

[Izzwizz]

Agree with all others have said, my mare had a tear in her DDFT 2 yrs ago within her hoof. One thing the vets did say was to avoid boots/bandages as its best not to heat the tendons up atall. If anything to only use brushing boots when absolutely necessary. Take care moreso especially in warm weather.