Why an exercise programme?

welsh_mare

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MY horse has been diagnosed (sp) with Gastronemius tendonitius (sp). He gas been given an exercise programme for a severe tendon injury, but what does the programme do?.

Is it to strengthen the tendon which is the only reason i can think of?.

Just asking as my 5 year old is on this programme no turnout till march and is starting to to crazy being led in hand just wondering what are the benefits of this programme.
 
Lesley tendon injuries are difficult to cure and prone to reoccurence or healing problems called adhesions if you don't get the treatment right. If your horse does too much too soon, he will never heal properly, hence the box rest and controlled exercise. The exercise is to make sure that the new tendon fibres grow with a kink in them so that they give and take. If you don't do that exercise you may get scar tissue that is straight, won't stretch, and snaps again when he goes into full work. Or you can get adhesions where his tendon will stick to the tendon sheath and cause him problems forever.

Your vet should have explained all that to you, not just left you to it!
 
Exactly what she ^ said.
If he's being a handful towalk out even ina bridle it's worth ringing your vet as he might let you have some ACP or Sedaline to give him a little bit before you lead him out.
THe excersise programes with these type os inujuries are really important and can mean the difference between your horse coming sound or staying lame.
 
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