Horse with Bowed Tendon?

Question

My horse has a bowed tendon. It happened about 6 weeks ago. Got told he needs to be kept in a paddock for 6 months with a bandage. Will he be able to jump? If so, how long would it be to happen and how high? Is there anything to help it get better faster? thnkz

Answer 1

I have a mare with an old bowed tendon.  I jump her, so yes, you CAN jump a horse with that type of injury.  Of course I only jump her maybe once a month, but she does do up to 3 feet (never trained her to go any higher).  The one thing is that I always use support boots with her because the risk of re-injury is high.  Even when I'm just mucking around on her, she always wears those Sports Medicine Boots.

The key is to give him proper time to heal right now.  If you don't, that injury will hurt him forever.  Honestly, I'd give him a year off.  When they tell you 6 months, that's about the earliest you could see healing.  Ligaments/tendons/muscles take a LONG time to heal.  Better to be safe than sorry.  Be patient now and it will pay off in the future because he will make a much better recovery and be capable of so much more.

Sorry about your horse.  Bowed tendons are not fun to deal with :(

Answer 2

Here's what we do on the track:

Mix a small amount of DMSO with something called Tendon Tight into a paste. Apply the paste to the horse's tendon, and wrap it all in 1 layer of loose plastic wrap, taped if need be (so it soaks into the horse's skin, not the wrap). A normal fleece wrap goes over that, and that's held on by a vetwrap. This is changed at least once a day, sometimes twice.

Oh by the way, they're on hard-core stall rest during all this for about a month (depending on the severity). But after that, they're *usually* ok for racing again!

Answer 3

Horses that are used for events that strain their tendons (eventing, racing, jumping) are less likely to return to their previous level of performance than those in less strenuous work (dressage, pleasure and trail riding).  

Answer 4

you can do anything with a horse with a bowed tendon, you just risk them re-injuring them. as for the work load, ask the vet, but i wouldn't be supriesed if it was 12 monthes plus unfortunatly....

Answer 5

It is unlikely that your horse can ever jump again.  I wouln't risk it as the chance of re-injury is too high.  Nothing will help it get better faster, in fact don't be surprised if it takes longer.  Sorry, bowed tendons are very serious.

Answer 6

Your horse will recover fully if properly cared for. Since it's been six weeks, I assume he spent some time in his stall resting and is just starting to be turned out. Make sure he is turned out in a small paddock she he will be less likely to run around like crazy. I would wrap him for turnout, but leave the wraps off otherwise. 6 weeks is an older bowed tendon, so I would normally say cold hose it 3 times a day for 10-20 minutes, but it's probably past that stage by now. If it's still producing heat (which I doubt) you can poultice and hose it to help speed the recovery process. Otherwise, just give it time and take good care of it. In a couple of months if your horse appears to be sound, you could start him on some very light work. Take it slow, don't push him. If in doubt, WAIT. It is easy to re-injure a tendon if it has not had time to heal. Stay out of deep footing, wrap it overnight after riding. My horse bowed a tendon in early April 2 years ago (very minor bow). She returned to work in late July. I still take extra precautions with her - I only jump her once a week and I always wrap her with Back on Track Polo wraps EVERY time I ride her. Afterwards, I ice her legs for 20 minutes then wrap her in a product called "Stocking Up" with my Back on Track no-bow standing wraps

Here is a link to the Stocking Up http://www.orientalherb.com/product_info...

and one to Back on Track http://estore.websitepros.com/1305182/Ca...

It's been over two years and her leg still gets irritated, but I show her at 4' and as long as I take really good care of it, she stays more or less sound. Occasionally it flares up and I have to give her a week or two off, but then it's right back to work. I feel like I'm going on and on. If you want any more pointers feel free to email me. Good luck with your horse!