bowed tendon

Question
QUESTION: Will a bowed tendon injury heal eventually?  I looked at a give-a-way horse who was limping badly on her front leg. Owner said she had a bowed tendon. Not sure of how it occured last fall (10 months ago). Owner applying anti-inflamatory linament & restricting horse to small paddock.

ANSWER: Hi Michele ... well, the answer to this is .. "it depends."  *GRIN*  Not much help, eh?  It really does depend on the extent of the original injury, the general overall health of the horse, how he/she was treated, what the diet consists of, what shape her hooves are in, etc. etc. I've worked with horses that had severe bowed tendons in the past who are comfortably being ridden regularly as pleasure horses and I've worked with horses that still have issues and are not suited to carry weight on their backs even after years past the original insult. That being said its not unusual for soft tissue injuries to take a year or longer to heal to their fullest extent.

There is no simple answer for you, I'm sorry. I wish you luck and I would say if you're considering this horse then I would 'go with your gut feeling'.  Our guts are usually right.

:) -- Gwen

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:  My gut tells me there is potential for this mare. About 18 yrs. In good health otherwise.Nice ground manners & accepting of bit, saddle, and me picking at her feet. Walked OK on level ground after a few minutes exercise, but very limpy going down hill. I did not attept to ride here. Seemed like she was in pain or milking the situtation. I might have a farrier look her over. I fear she will go to auction if I don't take her. My rescue instinct is kicking in! Any other comments?

Answer
The only thing I 'reacted' to was your comment about "milking" the situation ... horses don't pretend. They tell it all like it is. So, if she's showing lameness then its cause she hurts. If you do take her I'd recommend no lunging in circles and just hand walking ... lots of hand walking to strengthen up the supporting tissues and muscles - also to keep her circulation in good order for lots of healing nutrients and O2. And, I can certainly relate to the "rescue instinct" .. thats' why I have all the critters I do and only ONE horse I can actually ride!  *LOL*

--G