Horses are prone to serious injuries. Not only because they run at high speed, jump over obstacles and make sharp twists and turns, but also because of their anatomy. Their legs have evolved to become long and thin, standing just on one bone, surrounded by tendons. This has made them prone to tendon and ligament injuries as well as fractures.

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Injuries to Tendons and Ligaments

The suspensory ligament is a common site for injuries. 

It runs down the back of each leg, splitting into two branches at the fetlock joint. It can be put under pressure through repeated stress from jumping (usually affecting the forelimbs) or repetitive dressage manoeuvres (often a cause of hindlimb injuries). Types of injuries include tears, holes, inflammation of the ligament and fractures at the attachment site. Unfortunately, ligaments can take a long time to heal. The success of treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. However, once your vet has made a diagnosis, a rehabilitation plan can be provided, which may include cold therapy, anti-inflammatories, box-rest and controlled exercises, along with some of the complimentary therapies listed below.

The deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) is another structure that can suffer from severe injury

This also runs down the back of the leg, it lies over the suspensory ligament and goes right down to the foot, where it attaches to the pedal bone. Jumping and fast work can result in injuries in this area; causing inflammation of the structure (tendonitis), tearing of the fibres or holes in the centre. These types of injuries can also occur in the superficial digital flexor tendon which runs over the top of the DDFT. Like ligaments, tendons can heal slowly and the same principles often apply. 

Fractures

Fractures to horse’s bones can be more problematic than for other animals mainly due to their size. Unfortunately, depending on the bone, there may be no coming back from such a serious injury. However, some fractures may be able to be treated with rest; with or without surgery to stabilise the bones, depending on the bone and they type of fracture). Followed by a rehabilitation program to strengthen the area afterwards.

What tools can we use to rehabilitate horses after injuries

Physiotherapy is important 

It helps to reduce inflammation, improve strength and increase range of motion, with the aim of restoring the animal back to full function. Soft tissue techniques may be used to loosen up scars, swollen joints and thickened tissues after injury. 

Laser therapy involves the use of focused light waves at a specific wavelength 

It is intended to encourage healing in the tissue. It does this by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation and reducing pain. It’s not invasive or painful, just creating a little warmth on the skin surface, but after multiple sessions, healing of the structures can be seen. We have seen most success with the use of laser treatment in suspensory ligament injuries and tendonitis. 

Shockwave uses high energy sound waves to provide impulses into damaged tissue 

It has been found to be most useful for treating injuries occurring at locations where soft tissue and bone meet, these are often areas that are difficult to treat with other medical or surgical methods. The most common areas of treatment include; proximal suspensory desmitis, collateral ligament injuries and sacroiliac disease. 

Acupuncture is the insertion of needles into pressure points

This is done in order to result in pain relief in the affected area, it can only be offered by vets and should be used in combination with other treatments.

Remember, it is illegal for anyone to manipulate or treat your horse without veterinary prescription (with the exception of a farrier balancing their feet and/or shoeing them). Even a qualified physiotherapist is not permitted to diagnose disease, and can only legally treat once directed to do so by a vet. Evading or misunderstanding this law can even invalidate your insurance, so make sure your vet signs off on any therapies your horse needs.

Your vet will discuss the best course of treatment or combination of treatments with you based on your horse and the type of injury that has occurred. To reduce the risk of re-injury, it is important to take a holistic approach by including the expertise of your farrier, physiotherapist and nutritionist to ensure that everything is working together to help your horse.

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