How to Assess Tendon Damage in a Horse
Look at the leg., Call the vet., Know that veterinarians are able to diagnose torn or damaged tendons with the help of an ultrasound machine., Know that treatments can vary., Realize that there may be a "splint.", Be patient.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Look at the leg.
Some hints of tendon damage should be visible.
Is there any swelling in the lower portion of the leg (usually on the rear of the leg, but the front is a possibility too).
Is the affected area warm, swollen and tender to the touch? Viewed from the side, the cannon bone area may actually resemble an archer’s bow instead of being straight. -
Step 2: Call the vet.
Initially, if you are sure that there is damage, cold water from the garden hose on the affected area for at least 15 minutes will help with the inflammation.
This is something that you can do AFTER you call your Vet and waiting for her/him to arrive.
It's very important that you have your Vet examine the injury! , These can be a great aid in determining the degree of the damage, location, and if any other structures have been affected. , Depending on the tendon involved and the severity, treatments can be different.
A severely torn tendon or ligament can take up to six months to heal, along with stall rest and supportive leg wraps.
The majority of injuries result in a minor tear or strain, which are often resolved with stall rest, leg wraps and liniments.
If the tear is major (completely separated), surgery may be required to attach the torn ends back together.
This again, will require a lengthy time of wraps and stall rest. , At times, an injury may cause a "splint"
which is a separation or fracture of one of the splint bones (metacarpal/metatarsal one or three) in the canon bone region, on the side, more towards the rear.
Again, these will heal with time and stall rest. , Overall, tendon/ligament injuries take time and patience to heal. -
Step 3: Know that veterinarians are able to diagnose torn or damaged tendons with the help of an ultrasound machine.
-
Step 4: Know that treatments can vary.
-
Step 5: Realize that there may be a "splint."
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Step 6: Be patient.
Detailed Guide
Some hints of tendon damage should be visible.
Is there any swelling in the lower portion of the leg (usually on the rear of the leg, but the front is a possibility too).
Is the affected area warm, swollen and tender to the touch? Viewed from the side, the cannon bone area may actually resemble an archer’s bow instead of being straight.
Initially, if you are sure that there is damage, cold water from the garden hose on the affected area for at least 15 minutes will help with the inflammation.
This is something that you can do AFTER you call your Vet and waiting for her/him to arrive.
It's very important that you have your Vet examine the injury! , These can be a great aid in determining the degree of the damage, location, and if any other structures have been affected. , Depending on the tendon involved and the severity, treatments can be different.
A severely torn tendon or ligament can take up to six months to heal, along with stall rest and supportive leg wraps.
The majority of injuries result in a minor tear or strain, which are often resolved with stall rest, leg wraps and liniments.
If the tear is major (completely separated), surgery may be required to attach the torn ends back together.
This again, will require a lengthy time of wraps and stall rest. , At times, an injury may cause a "splint"
which is a separation or fracture of one of the splint bones (metacarpal/metatarsal one or three) in the canon bone region, on the side, more towards the rear.
Again, these will heal with time and stall rest. , Overall, tendon/ligament injuries take time and patience to heal.
About the Author
Victoria Cruz
Specializes in breaking down complex creative arts topics into simple steps.
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