Tendon injuries are among the most common injuries in horses, and can occur in both sport and leisure activities. They are often associated with significant treatment costs and long periods of downtime, as tendon injuries require time and specialized care to heal. In this blog post, we would like to provide you with a detailed overview of tendon injuries in horses—from the causes and diagnosis to current treatment options. It is particularly important to us to emphasize the need for individualized and veterinary care, as prompt and appropriate treatment is crucial for the healing process.
What are tendon injuries in horses?
Tendons are connective tissue structures that connect muscles to bones and play an important role in the horse's movement. They are strong and elastic, yet susceptible to overload, trauma, or inflammatory processes. Tendon damage often occurs due to mechanical overload, sudden changes in movement, or repetitive stress. The so-called "flexor tendons" are frequently affected, especially in the horse's hind legs. The most common tendon injuries include:
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Tendon strain (sprain) : An overstretching of the tendon that can lead to small tears.
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Tendon rupture : A partial or complete tear of the tendon, accompanied by swelling and pain.
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Tendonitis : An inflammation of the tendon, usually due to overuse or incorrect strain.
The diagnosis of tendon damage is usually made through a thorough clinical examination and imaging techniques such as ultrasound or x-rays.
Causes of tendon damage
The causes of tendon damage are varied and can be influenced by both external and internal factors. The most common causes include:
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Overload and insufficient recovery : Especially in sport horses, tendon damage is often caused by repeated heavy loads, for example when jumping or galloping on hard ground.
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Incorrect training : An inadequate warm-up phase or sudden, unfamiliar movements can place excessive strain on the tendons.
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Ground conditions : Hard or slippery surfaces can lead to incorrect movements and thus to overloading of the tendons.
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Age and genetic predisposition : Older horses are more susceptible to tendon damage because the connective tissue loses elasticity over time. Certain breeds or bloodlines may also be more susceptible to tendon damage.
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Incorrect hoof care : Incorrect hoof protection, such as unsuitable farriery or poorly adjustable horseshoes, can place incorrect strain on the leg axes and thus also on the tendons.
Symptoms of tendon damage
Tendon damage is often associated with typical symptoms, including:
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Swelling : Swelling may be visible or palpable, particularly in the area of the affected tendon.
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Heat reaction : Inflammation of the tendon often leads to a local increase in skin temperature.
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Pain : When the affected area is touched, the horse often reacts sensitively or shows lameness.
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Lameness : Depending on the severity of the tendon damage, the horse may limp. The lameness may be less noticeable at first but may worsen with exercise.
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Changes in gait : Horses with tendon damage may exhibit an altered gait in order to relieve pressure on the affected tendon.
Diagnosis of tendon damage
A precise diagnosis is important to determine the severity of tendon damage and initiate appropriate treatment. Diagnosis is performed in several steps:
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Clinical examination : The veterinarian palpates the affected area, checks for swelling and elevated temperature, and tests the reaction to pressure.
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Imaging techniques : Ultrasound is particularly helpful in diagnosing tendon damage, as it provides a detailed view of the tendon structure. X-rays can also be helpful in diagnosing associated injuries, such as bone damage or abrasions.
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Thermography : In some cases, a thermal imaging camera can be used to visualize inflammatory processes in the tendons.
Treatment of tendon damage
The treatment of tendon damage should always be supervised by a veterinarian, as each injury must be considered individually. In many cases, treatment is conservative, but surgical intervention may also be necessary. Common treatment options include:
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Rest and rest : The most important step in treating tendon injuries is complete rest to allow for healing. This can take from a few weeks to several months.
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Cold and heat treatment : Cold applications in the acute phase (first 48 hours) help relieve inflammation and reduce swelling. Heat can later help promote circulation and support healing.
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Drug treatment : In some cases, anti-inflammatory therapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or cortisone may be necessary to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
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Physiotherapy : Massages, stretching exercises, and targeted muscle-building training can help strengthen the tendon and surrounding tissue after the inflammation has subsided.
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Surgical procedures : In cases of more severe damage, such as complete tendon ruptures, surgical reconstruction may be necessary to repair the tendon.
Follow-up treatment and rehabilitation
Rehabilitation after tendon damage is often lengthy. It's important to gradually reintroduce the horse to weight-bearing activity and increase the load gradually. Follow-up treatment should be closely monitored by a veterinarian to ensure no subsequent damage or chronic problems develop. Regular ultrasound scans are also important to monitor the healing process and document progress.
Prevention of tendon damage
Tendon damage can be reduced through preventative measures. Some important recommendations include:
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Gentle training methods : Workloads should be increased slowly, and the horse should have sufficient recovery periods between training sessions.
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Optimal floor conditions : Make sure you have the right training floor to minimize the risk of overloading or incorrect loading.
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Proper hoof care and shoeing : Good hoof care and appropriate shoes help to correctly distribute the load on the tendons.
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Targeted muscle strengthening : A balanced workout that also strengthens the muscles helps to relieve strain on the tendons.
Conclusion
Tendon injuries are serious injuries that can occur in horses both in sport and leisure activities. Early diagnosis and individually tailored treatment are crucial for the healing process. Although there is no guarantee of a complete cure, there are now many treatment options that can enable the horse to return to sport or leisure activities. Continuous monitoring and preventative measures can reduce the risk of tendon damage and help ensure the horse's long-term well-being.
Source: Martina Hemm July 2025
Note: The information presented here does not constitute veterinary advice and is not a substitute for a visit to a veterinarian. In the event of tendon damage in your horse, you should always seek professional help.
