Page 306 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
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Figure 7.1a and b Tendons and ligaments of the lower limb
Strains
A strain occurs when the tendon is overstretched. The resultant haemorrhage and
inflammation disrupts the normal alignment of the collagen fibrils. Strains can vary in
severity from minor inflammation to severe disruption or even complete rupture of a tendon.
This inflammation of the tendon is known as tendonitis. A horse with a moderate to severe
tendon strain is colloquially said to have ‘broken down’.
Type of horse affected
The Thoroughbred racehorse has a relatively high risk of strain to the superficial digital
flexor tendon (SDFT) and the forelimb is most commonly affected. During galloping, when
the forelimb contacts the ground, the fetlock is hyperextended and the SDFT is stretched to
its limit. SDFT injuries also occur in other equine athletes, particularly the three-day event
horse, but are less frequently found in ponies.
