Tendon injuries are a common problem within the equine world, involving an unpleasant injury to the horse's leg. A tendon injury affects your horse's well-being. In this blog, we will describe the various causes of tendon injuries and describe the different rehabilitation options available.
But first, what exactly is a tendon injury?
Tendon injuries in horses occur when the tendons—the structures connecting muscles to bones—are overloaded or damaged. These injuries most often occur in the legs of the horse, where the tendons play a crucial role in movement and stability. There are many different causes of tendon injuries:- Overloading during training.
- Accidents or trauma, such as direct hits to the legs when a horse falls or another horse strikes.
- Poor warm-up or cool-down before and after training can lead to stiff tendons, which are more susceptible to injuries.
- Training on hard, too soft, or uneven ground can cause unnatural stress on the tendons, increasing the risk of injuries such as tendon injuries.
- Training too quickly and intensively without adequate preparation.
- Missteps, something very simple but unfortunately a cause that frequently recurs.
The above causes can lead to small tears or more severe damage in the tendon. This often results in pain, swelling, and reduced mobility, which can affect the performance and overall well-being of the horse.
Recovery from a tendon injury
Recovering from a tendon injury in horses comes with challenges, mainly due to the complexity of the tendon tissue and the important role tendons play in horse movement. Recovering from a tendon injury is often a lengthy process, as tendon tissue has relatively low blood supply. Depending on the severity of the injury, recovery time can last from several months to over a year. Remember that tendons, once damaged, have an increased risk of future injuries, so managing your horse after injuries is very important.
During the recovery of a tendon injury, it is crucial to properly manage the pain your horse is experiencing at that time. Excessive use of painkillers can have side effects. This can cause your horse to want to move too much because it feels less pain. Always discuss this thoroughly with a veterinarian. Developing a rehabilitation plan that suits your horse without overloading the tendon requires the support of professionals and continuous monitoring. Too rapid an increase in load during rehabilitation can lead to setbacks, while too little activity can delay recovery.
The MK Horsepower Plate can be a valuable addition.
The MK Horsepower Plate is a vibration plate specially designed for horses. Firstly, the use of the MK Horsepower Plate stimulates blood circulation. As previously described in this blog, the blood supply to tendons is minimal, and by enhancing this with the MK Horsepower Plate, the healing process can be accelerated due to a more efficient supply of oxygen and nutrients, and waste products are also removed more quickly. Supporting blood circulation can help reduce swelling in the leg. The MK Horsepower Plate essentially provides a workout for your horse without it having to move, thus lowering the risk of further injury. Muscle strength will be maintained or increased, but it is important to seek advice on the training program you use for an injured horse.
In addition to using the MK Horsepower Plate, there are more things you can do to support your horse in recovering from a tendon injury. Depending on the veterinarian's advice, you can give your horse light exercise in the form of hand walking, which can be expanded to light work under saddle as the rehabilitation process progresses. Additionally, the support of a good equine physiotherapist can be beneficial, as this also stimulates blood circulation. Frequent cooling can also be useful, particularly to reduce swelling and inflammation. Sometimes, laser therapy is employed for horses with tendon injuries. Alongside these physical methods to support your horse, it is also important to critically evaluate the diet and supplements. Ensuring the horse receives the right nutrients is crucial; for this reason, providing specific supplements can be valuable—consult a nutritionist to ensure the diet is optimally tailored to the needs of a recovering horse.
You can expect a significant reduction in tendon recovery time.
An additional benefit of using this product is that it supports the overall condition of the horse, unlike therapy forms that are used locally. The continuous vibrations will cause the horse’s muscles to contract and relax, primarily in the leg and back muscles.
There are several factors that can influence the success of the MK Horsepower Plate when used for horses with tendon injuries. One of these factors is the frequency of use of the MK Horsepower Plate; always follow the advice of a veterinarian or specialist in this regard. It is often recommended to provide therapy on the MK Horsepower Plate one to two times a day for horses with tendon injuries. The frequency and duration depend on the weight of the horse and the severity of the injury, about which a specialist or veterinarian will advise. If the therapy is not applied frequently as advised, this will delay the process. Additionally, it is important to maintain a stable environment for the horse. This means ensuring good welfare for the horse and minimizing stress as much as possible.
Tips for promoting a healthy lifestyle for your horse
Finally, we would like to offer some tips for promoting a healthy lifestyle for your horse and preventing injuries. By ensuring regular training that suits your horse, you can greatly reduce the risk of injuries, gradually build up the intensity of training, and always ensure a proper warm-up, cool-down, and sufficient recovery time to keep your horse fit and flexible. Ensure a diet that matches the activities of your horse and ensure it always has access to fresh and clean drinking water. Regular hoof care by a good farrier and occasional preventive check-ups by professionals are advisable. As an owner, you know your horse best, so observe your horse and be alert to any changes in behavior. Noticing potential problems early can prevent your horse from developing serious health issues or injuries. Together, we ensure a strong foundation for the health of your horse. Contact the professionals at Molenkoning if you have questions or are interested in innovative solutions for the health and well-being of your horses.
