Post by IH Health on Jan 21, 2009 15:41:47 GMT 1
Tendon & Ligament Injuries
Also known as
Blown tendon, bowed tendon, Desmitis (Suspensory ligament damage), tendonitis
What is it?
Tendon and ligament injuries are just that – damage to the tendons and ligaments within the horses body, most commonly in the legs. Tendons are structures that connect muscles to the bones whilst ligaments connect bone to bone. Ligaments tend to act as ‘shock absorbers’ whilst tendons act as ‘anchoring points’. The degree of lameness in a horse does not specifically relate to the damage caused – sometimes the smallest area of inflammation can signify a seriously damaged tendon or ligament whilst large areas of swelling or hopping lameness can be less serious.
Types
Vets generally place injuries within three catagories – Mild, Moderate or Severe. The more severe the injury, the less promising the prognosis is.
"The tendons and ligaments in the horse's lower leg include:
• the extensor tendon at the front of the leg
• the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons at the back of the leg
• the suspensory ligament which runs between the bones and flexor tendons
• the check ligament, just below the knee
The superficial flexor tendon and suspensory ligament support the fetlock. Damage to other structures such as the check ligament can occur in conjunction with injury of the superficial flexor tendon. Injury to the check ligament tends to result in swelling centred closer to the cannon bone than with an injury to the superficial flexor tendon, which displays the classic "bow" at the back of the leg. Damage to the suspensory ligament can occur in many sites and the clinical signs may vary. Damage that is limited to the proximal (top) part of the ligament may show only subtle lameness with minimal swelling and is common in the sport horse. This condition can be hard to detect, whereas damage lower down the suspensory usually shows more obvious swelling. Injury to the deep digital flexor tendon is unusual but when it does occur it is normally at the level of the fetlock or below, within the tendon sheath. There is a much poorer prognosis with injury to this tendon and, frequently, persistent lameness. " (Ref Horse and Hound)
For an image of the anatomy of the lower leg please click here .
Causes
Trauma, strains and sprains during movement, physical stress, infection and general degradation of the tendon or ligament
Symptoms
• Lameness
• Swelling
• Abnormal gait
• Inactivity
• Heat
• Care should be taken to note above - minimal amounts of swelling or lameness does not necessarily mean there is minimal injury.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis should be by a vet – the first stage is for the vet to move the horse around and palate the affected area so they may get an idea of what has been affected. The injured part may be compared against uninjured parts. Ultrasounds are often used a week after injuries (to allow most swelling to of gone down and optimum viewing to be achieved) and nerve blocks can be utilised to pin point areas of pain. MRI scans can also be used in some cases.
Treatment
Prompt vet treatment is required in tendon and ligament injuries. Ice packs or cold water hosing may be used to reduce immediate swelling and inflammation. Support of the leg through bandaging is also used for a time. Box rest or reduced turn out is also advised in most cases – sometimes lasting months. Bute or a herbal alternative is often advised to keep pain levels to a minimum A long term prognosis is normally difficult to give as each injury is different and there is no way of telling if the horse will respond to treatment. Controversial treatments such as tendon firing and stem cell therapy are considered by some as a cure but should not be entered into lightly. Some people swear by magnetic boots
Websites (click on title for link)
Horse and Hound Tendon and Ligament Injuries Articles
Global Herbs
Degnerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD) Charity
The Farrier and Hoofcase Resource Center
For a list of ligaments and tendons - The Equestrian and Horse
Previous discussions (click on title for link)
I broke my pony – tips for box rest
Magnetic boots – do they work?
Possible pulled tendon
Another tendon injury
My horse has done her check ligament
Ligament operation???
Intermittant lameness
Lameness equals pain - discuss
Anything to help repair ligaments?
Bioscan Light Therapy
Candy’s Torn Ligament
Possible tendon injury – anyone not done box rest?
Zak
+ lots more on the search facility!
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.
Also known as
Blown tendon, bowed tendon, Desmitis (Suspensory ligament damage), tendonitis
What is it?
Tendon and ligament injuries are just that – damage to the tendons and ligaments within the horses body, most commonly in the legs. Tendons are structures that connect muscles to the bones whilst ligaments connect bone to bone. Ligaments tend to act as ‘shock absorbers’ whilst tendons act as ‘anchoring points’. The degree of lameness in a horse does not specifically relate to the damage caused – sometimes the smallest area of inflammation can signify a seriously damaged tendon or ligament whilst large areas of swelling or hopping lameness can be less serious.
Types
Vets generally place injuries within three catagories – Mild, Moderate or Severe. The more severe the injury, the less promising the prognosis is.
"The tendons and ligaments in the horse's lower leg include:
• the extensor tendon at the front of the leg
• the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons at the back of the leg
• the suspensory ligament which runs between the bones and flexor tendons
• the check ligament, just below the knee
The superficial flexor tendon and suspensory ligament support the fetlock. Damage to other structures such as the check ligament can occur in conjunction with injury of the superficial flexor tendon. Injury to the check ligament tends to result in swelling centred closer to the cannon bone than with an injury to the superficial flexor tendon, which displays the classic "bow" at the back of the leg. Damage to the suspensory ligament can occur in many sites and the clinical signs may vary. Damage that is limited to the proximal (top) part of the ligament may show only subtle lameness with minimal swelling and is common in the sport horse. This condition can be hard to detect, whereas damage lower down the suspensory usually shows more obvious swelling. Injury to the deep digital flexor tendon is unusual but when it does occur it is normally at the level of the fetlock or below, within the tendon sheath. There is a much poorer prognosis with injury to this tendon and, frequently, persistent lameness. " (Ref Horse and Hound)
For an image of the anatomy of the lower leg please click here .
Causes
Trauma, strains and sprains during movement, physical stress, infection and general degradation of the tendon or ligament
Symptoms
• Lameness
• Swelling
• Abnormal gait
• Inactivity
• Heat
• Care should be taken to note above - minimal amounts of swelling or lameness does not necessarily mean there is minimal injury.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis should be by a vet – the first stage is for the vet to move the horse around and palate the affected area so they may get an idea of what has been affected. The injured part may be compared against uninjured parts. Ultrasounds are often used a week after injuries (to allow most swelling to of gone down and optimum viewing to be achieved) and nerve blocks can be utilised to pin point areas of pain. MRI scans can also be used in some cases.
Treatment
Prompt vet treatment is required in tendon and ligament injuries. Ice packs or cold water hosing may be used to reduce immediate swelling and inflammation. Support of the leg through bandaging is also used for a time. Box rest or reduced turn out is also advised in most cases – sometimes lasting months. Bute or a herbal alternative is often advised to keep pain levels to a minimum A long term prognosis is normally difficult to give as each injury is different and there is no way of telling if the horse will respond to treatment. Controversial treatments such as tendon firing and stem cell therapy are considered by some as a cure but should not be entered into lightly. Some people swear by magnetic boots
Websites (click on title for link)
Horse and Hound Tendon and Ligament Injuries Articles
Global Herbs
Degnerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD) Charity
The Farrier and Hoofcase Resource Center
For a list of ligaments and tendons - The Equestrian and Horse
Previous discussions (click on title for link)
I broke my pony – tips for box rest
Magnetic boots – do they work?
Possible pulled tendon
Another tendon injury
My horse has done her check ligament
Ligament operation???
Intermittant lameness
Lameness equals pain - discuss
Anything to help repair ligaments?
Bioscan Light Therapy
Candy’s Torn Ligament
Possible tendon injury – anyone not done box rest?
Zak
+ lots more on the search facility!
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.