Page 480 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

fibres are gradually replaced with fibrous tissue and adhesions may develop between the

semitendinosus and the other hamstring muscles, i.e. the biceps femoris and the
VetBooks.ir semimembranosus. The condition is most commonly seen in horses that make quick turns at
speed and sliding stops, e.g. polo ponies.

The condition can also occur following a series of irritant intramuscular injections.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made on the clinical signs and the findings of the clinical examination.
Occasionally, ultrasonography or radiography may be used to confirm the presence of fibrotic

or calcified tissues.

Treatment

ACUTE INJURY
Prompt treatment of an acute hamstring injury may reduce the amount of scar tissue and the

likelihood of the condition occurring. This is likely to include:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g. phenylbutazone
• controlled exercise

• physical therapy including massage, stretching, laser, ultrasound.

CHRONIC INJURY

Once the condition is established, there are several options.
• If the symptoms are only mild and the use of the horse or pony is not affected, no

treatment is necessary apart from taking care to avoid activities that may aggravate the
condition.

• Regular physiotherapy or acupuncture helps to release tension in the semitendinosus

muscle.
• If the gait is severely restricted, surgery may be considered to try and restore a more

normal action. The tendon of the muscle may be cut just above its attachment onto the
top of the tibia or the muscle itself may be cut across at the site of the scar tissue.

Alternatively the affected part of the muscle and the tendon can be surgically removed.
Physiotherapy is important after all of these procedures to minimize adhesions and

further scar tissue.

Prognosis