Thickened Flexor Tendon?

Question

My horse has a thickened flexor tendon on one of his front legs, does anyone know what type of injury may have caused this? Thanks All! x

Answer 1

It could be a multitude of things from fluid to a strain,

is your horse in any pain with the tendon have you tried the flexion test where you hold the leg up bending the hoof towards the tendon for 3 minuets and then trotting your horse,

that can pinpoint what sort of damage if any.

if the horse is sound after this then its probably fluid ,if the horse is lame then its a tendon problem possibly damage which will need a vet

Answer 2

I had a QH I was jumping and even with splint boots on managed to bump a tendon sheath .  The vet came out, and did a furisone (sp?) sweat wrap.  He rubbed on furison ointment, then wrapped it with of all things saran wrap, then cotton and a vet wrap.  I changed it every other day for a couple of weeks, then treated him as normal.

Here's a GREAT link from UC Davis

http://www.vmth.ucdavis.edu/vmth/clienti...

Answer 3

Absolutely certain it is or was (if he is not now lame) a strained tendon.  They can take a heck of a long time to heal with box rest and vet treatment, but when they do heal they thicken and the horse can in some circumstances be used.  There is always a possibility that it could sprain again.

I had a horse with this problem and he was box rested for 9 months and then let out (sedated the first time, to avoid reinjury from galloping around) for longer and longer until we could begin the long road to building up fitness and strength.

I thought I could never jump him again.  We had an accident with a cart during which he jumped a 5 bar gate with cart still attached.  When we caught him, I rang the vet.  He came out to have a look and trotted him up.  He was 100% sound and we were told he could jump again.  He spent another 9 years being a top junior showjumper and eventer.