How long field rest after DDFT tear?

[SnowandSunshine]

My gelding was diagnosed with tendonitis of the DDFT last September. He had an MRI scan which showed damage in two areas.

The vet gave me the usual advice of box rest etc. Unfortunately I was not able to do this as I was pregnant and I knew he'd go bonkers. So basically I decided to turn him away which a few people on here had had success with.

I am just wondering how long people who have taken this approach have left their horses out for? He's now been out for 8 months & I need to decide whether to try bringing him back into work this summer or leave him out another winter.

I can't really get him in for another scan because he is at resting livery about 5 hours drive away.

 

[debsflo]

my mare had a small tear to her ddft in august 2010.

last scan in feb showed it had healed well.

she has been on restricted turnout for similar reasons to yours.

i have just started walking in hand very gradually building her up and will start walk exercise under saddle in the next couple of weeks as long as she proves ok.