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  Discussion on Tendon Splitting?
Author Message
Member:
hosspoor

Posted on Friday, May 25, 2007 - 1:14 pm:

I can't seem to find any information on the site related to tendon splitting (other than referring to it as one treatment option). Just looking for any information I can find to help me decide whether to do it.
Horse bowed both front SDFT in Oct 06 -- we did 3 shockwave treatments and followed prescribed rest/rehab program and things looked really good in Feb when he started a little trotting under saddle. That was when we had our "strangles" scare and he was ill for a period of time (fever only, no other symptoms), so we lost a couple of weeks in there resting him. When we eased back to trot work, he was looking a little sore, and developed a lump on the left front leg, fairly high on the leg, on the outside of the SDFT. Based on ultrasound, appeared to be a blow of some sort injured the tendon (very small area affected). Treated with platelet rich plasma injection and follow up shockwave.
Tendon was looking good immediately following last shockwave (3 weeks ago), but then leg became very swollen and red -- we thought due to dermatitis (all the shaving irritated his white leg). Treated that and most swelling subsided except the lump remains. New ultrasound showed now a tear (more than just the small area from a blow found earlier) likely due to hyperextension. Vet (my regular vet now rather than the lameness specialist doing all the previous work) wants to perform a tendon split. I'm trying to decide what to do and while I trust my vet, I'm also really discouraged by all the setbacks with this horse and worry about making the right decision. He was just starting a career as a show hunter (jumping) and I've given up hope of jumping, but would like to at least give him a chance as a dressage horse or pleasure riding -- he's an attractive, good-natured boy and only 7...so any advice you have to offer is appreciated!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, May 26, 2007 - 9:11 am:

Hello Lucy,
Though an often mentioned therapy it is amazing how little specific research there is on the success of this procedure. The indications here for splitting are right: chronic tendinitis not responsive to other treatment forms but I have to say the prognosis with or without the procedure is at poor for return to the previous level of athletic function in most cases like this. When I get back in the office monday I will see if I can find some more specific information for you.
DrO
Member:
hosspoor

Posted on Saturday, May 26, 2007 - 1:23 pm:

Thanks, Dr. O. Appreciate your checking on it. Wish the prognosis was better.
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