The platelets contain growth factors that aid healing, and no adverse reaction is triggered because the injected material came from the horse that is being treated. In the early stages of healing, a veterinarian can collect some of the horse’s own blood, spin it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and inject this platelet-rich plasma (PRP) back into the injured area. Changes can be made in treatment and exercise based on what is seen in the scans. Ultrasound is also useful to monitor the recovery process, track the reduction in size of the original injury, and see how well the healing fibers are aligning with the old tissue. The localized damage created during tendon splitting may also stimulate further healing. ![]() ![]() This technique allows blood cells and clotting proteins to flow out of the injured tissues rather than forming a hematoma and adding to the inflammatory response. In this treatment, a veterinarian inserts a very thin knife into the injured area and moves it up and down. One technique to help reduce inflammation is known as tendon splitting. In the first days after an injury, cold therapy can still be used, along with medications to control pain and reduce inflammation. Ultrasound images are frequently used to diagnose the type and extent of an injury, and treatment is based on what is determined. Tendon and ligament injuries are still regarded as serious, but new treatment and management options are allowing horses to recover more fully than they did 50 years ago. Healing is complicated by adhesions and scar tissue that is not as elastic as the original fibers. Years of everyday wear may bring on a series of minor injuries that make these connective tissues more subject to tearing because of an off-balance step or a sudden halt. Subjected to stress every time the horse moves, the tendons and ligaments of the lower legs can be damaged by a sudden load or by the repeated demands of running, jumping, sliding, and turning. Few horses returned to their previous level of performance, and many were never reliably sound for even light work. Treatment consisted of cold hosing or icing the injured leg and then months of stall rest, typically followed by more months of turnout. ![]() Years ago, a severely strained or ruptured tendon often signaled the end of a horse’s useful life.
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