Page 311 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

away. The aim is to limit the inflammation otherwise proteolytic enzymes released to break

down the damaged collagen will also digest healthy tendon tissue and increase the size of the
VetBooks.ir lesion.

ACUTE PHASE TREATMENT

• Cold therapy. Immediately the injury occurs, the leg should be hosed with cold water or

tubbed in a slurry of ice and water for 20–30 minutes. This should be repeated 2–4 times
a day until the acute inflammation has subsided. Sophisticated cold treatment boots

(Figure 7.4) and hydrotherapy spas are available.
• Between treatments, both limbs should be support bandaged.

• A cast may sometimes be applied by the vet if the tendon is severely damaged or

completely ruptured.
• The horse is kept on box rest with controlled walking exercise as advised by the vet.

Controlled exercise introduced at the appropriate time helps to prevent adhesions forming

and encourages good healing with longitudinal alignment of the collagen fibrils. Where
this is not possible, passive mobilization of the region by gentle flexing of the knee and

fetlock may be beneficial provided it is not painful for the horse.
• Systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), e.g. phenylbutazone, may be

administered to reduce the pain and inflammation.