Cut Tendons - what and why?

H

Hollyhock

New User
Joined
29 May 2011
Messages
5
Visit site
Can someone anwser these questions -
Why would a horse have its tendons cut on its hind legs?
What exactly does this mean?
Can it be sound afterwards?

Thanks
 
Tendons are funny things. It also depends on whether you mean that the leg is cut - through the skin and through into the tendon or if you mean that there is a torn hole in the tendon but no external cuts.

If the former then no, few horses ever come sound. Most are put down. The reason being that a cut tendon is just that, a straight cut. No loose ends to fiddle back together. You also have a cut hole in the tendon sheath which means you couldn't do stem cell treatment as there is nothing to keep the "stuff" in where it is supposed to be.

If the horse has put a hole in the tendon from the inside either through a knock or over exertion then yes, it can be fixed. These types of holes are caused by the tendon ripping and fraying thus you have many loose ends of different lengths that are much easier to fuse back together. Provided that the tendon sheath isn't damaged you could do stem cell to try to help rebuild a stronger tendon. As to whether the horse will come sound again or not is a question of time. A horse can only heal so much and if the first time you walk them out or turn them out again after box rest they explode then they could redo all of the damage that you have spent months fixing.

Normal tendon injuries involve 3 months strict box rest. 3 months walking gradually building up from 5 mins to an hour. And then field turnout for 3-4 months to make sure the tendon heals properly.
 
EKW said:
Tendons are funny things. It also depends on whether you mean that the leg is cut - through the skin and through into the tendon or if you mean that there is a torn hole in the tendon but no external cuts.

If the former then no, few horses ever come sound. Most are put down. The reason being that a cut tendon is just that, a straight cut. No loose ends to fiddle back together. You also have a cut hole in the tendon sheath which means you couldn't do stem cell treatment as there is nothing to keep the "stuff" in where it is supposed to be.

If the horse has put a hole in the tendon from the inside either through a knock or over exertion then yes, it can be fixed. These types of holes are caused by the tendon ripping and fraying thus you have many loose ends of different lengths that are much easier to fuse back together. Provided that the tendon sheath isn't damaged you could do stem cell to try to help rebuild a stronger tendon. As to whether the horse will come sound again or not is a question of time. A horse can only heal so much and if the first time you walk them out or turn them out again after box rest they explode then they could redo all of the damage that you have spent months fixing.

Normal tendon injuries involve 3 months strict box rest. 3 months walking gradually building up from 5 mins to an hour. And then field turnout for 3-4 months to make sure the tendon heals properly.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the above but what I meant was why would someone cut the tendons purposefully???
 
You wouldn't. They wouldn't be able to use their legs properly as the tendon won't work. The only reason you would would be for insurance purposes for loss of use if you said it was an accident.
 
EKW said:
You wouldn't. They wouldn't be able to use their legs properly as the tendon won't work. The only reason you would would be for insurance purposes for loss of use if you said it was an accident.
Click to expand...

This was my thought but someone I know is looking at buying at horse and was told he had his 'tendons cut' on his hind legs when he was younger. He is sound but has an odd, low fetlock action behind. I've heard of the practice with the front legs, but only in passing and never been very common, and I don't fully understand it? I am very suspious of the whole thing...
 
Perhaps they mean ligaments rather than tendons?? Susepensory ligament desmitis can be treated by cutting the ligaments i think...? Might have got that totally wrong tho am sure someone can correct me.
 
I'm not sure if they meant fired, but they definately said 'cut'... I wasn't there but what is involved if tendons are fired?
 
I agree with above poster who said likely ligaments as in PSD related.

For info though my horse has severed his tendon but is making good progress in his recovery so they are not automatically put down.

I think your friend needs to go back and clarify and ask for further info, it will depend what the horse has had done and what she wants to do as to whether it is suitable for her.
 
Hollyhock said:
This was my thought but someone I know is looking at buying at horse and was told he had his 'tendons cut' on his hind legs when he was younger. He is sound but has an odd, low fetlock action behind. I've heard of the practice with the front legs, but only in passing and never been very common, and I don't fully understand it? I am very suspious of the whole thing...
Click to expand...

I wonder if its something done to very young horses (foals) when born with limb deformities, such as short tendons?

I have a quick google and there's not much, but there is this:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4488362_treat-foal-contracted-tendons.html

Seems to be a term used by some to mean cutting the check ligament.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top