tendon problems

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ew1801

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does anyone own a horse that has had a damaged tendon and what type of work are they doing now?

just browsing the net now but would appreciate some real life experiences

thanks
 
There are some exceptions to the rule but normally if you have an MRI scan they can give you a pretty accurate idea of what you can do with your horse.

Mine had a medium tear in the DDFT where it when into the bone - the vet said at the time the horse would never be completely sound and 5 years later I have to agree he was right. If it had been higher up there was a good chance it would have healed completely with the right care.

Sorry to be so unhelpful but it really does depend whether it is torn, where the tear is, how big and how you care for the horse - especially the immediate care.
 
well its a long story really. the horse is a friends of mine. she doesnt want him and to be honest never has. he hasnt been rode in years and god knows when he actually got any attention of her. all us on the yard look after him. finally she has decided to sell him. i hve known the horse for ten years and know everything about him BUT he can be a handful to ride but never was as a youngster. she had the back person out after weeks of badgering and she told her he is unlevel, got knots in his back, is overweight and has thickening of the tendon which is why he is naughty to ride but she hasnt done anything about it. most of those i can sort its just the tendon im concerned about. he didnt injure it being ridden he actually got an abcess that went up his leg and he ended up in hospital for ten days trying to get control of the infection. eventually the infection healed but has left him with thickening of the tendon (apparently, ive never heard of this). this was over a year ago and he hasnt been rode but he does seem slightly lame still but i think this may be due to him being unlevel as well
 
That sounds a bit more hopeful, but way out of my league of knowledge. You could try in vets (maybe rethink title??) but if it was me I would really want to talk to a vet.

Is there anyone in the yard with a helpful vet they could either talk to on your behalf - I normally get advice from my vet without charge as long as he doesn't come out, on the basis that they get the routine/other work from me.

Good luck with whatever way you go, it could be a really interesting project!!
 
thank you. the owners a bit vague as to what the vet actually said to her at the time about being ridden (probably to busy thinking about the latest shoes she got to buy, lol sorry that was out of order). any way im quite tempted to make her an offer as ive seen what this horse is like to ride when he is sound and pain free but also what stunts he can pull when he is in pain and hes only just turned 12 yr old. got to wait until thursday though as the vet coming out to give my old mare a health check as im slightly concerned about if she will cope through the winter and she is my main priority
 
ew1801 said:
does anyone own a horse that has had a damaged tendon and what type of work are they doing now?

just browsing the net now but would appreciate some real life experiences

thanks
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I've known several horses with tendon problems. All recovered fully for 'normal' flatwork and hacking, and mine who'd had suspensory ligament damage before I took him on ended up doing dressage up to Elementary level. I've never known a horse with any tendon problems to continue with a successful jumping career though - the repair tissue is never as strong as before and risk of repeat injury is very high, so jumping a horse again is not a good idea (in my opinion), even if the damage was done a long time ago.
 
thank you for your response. I wouldnt use him for jumping to be honest (maybe the odd log in woods) as i personally think he is to heavey to jump without doing some sort of damage (he is a very big boy). but would just like to give him some sort of purpose in life and a one to one relationship.
 
Misinterpreted said:
I've known several horses with tendon problems. All recovered fully for 'normal' flatwork and hacking, and mine who'd had suspensory ligament damage before I took him on ended up doing dressage up to Elementary level. I've never known a horse with any tendon problems to continue with a successful jumping career though - the repair tissue is never as strong as before and risk of repeat injury is very high, so jumping a horse again is not a good idea (in my opinion), even if the damage was done a long time ago.
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My old horse had problems as a 5/6yo in racing - was pin and bar fired and continued NH racing until 10 successfully, and won a big race as a 9yo. I also evented him up to PN level. You would never know to look at him - legs look great - can feel a very slight thickening but that's it. Never had a lame day with me, and ironically was not his front legs that called a halt to him competing - he got bone spavin in both hocks so retired him. He is still ok to ride at 18yo and is loving his hacking - I just look after him - don't do anything on hard ground and don't jump him anymore, but again this is nothing to do with the tendons. Depends how well the rehabilitation is I suppose to set them up for future work. There are lots of horses out there that are still competing at a higher level than we ever managed - it' a shame as he could have easily gone a lot further.[/I]
 
About 4 years ago my mare had an inflammed tendon sheath and the vets had to cut the annular ligament to relieve the tension! There were complications post op and she was still lame so I was told she would never b more than pasture sound and they even suggested putting her to sleep! I turned her away for a year then brought her back go work and thank god she gas been fine since! I mainly hack and school her occasionally! my friend jumps her every now and then too
 
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