Taking Care of Tendons in Equine Athletes

Considering the challenges associated with tendon injuries in horses, and knowing that bringing horses back too early can result in further setbacks, power Doppler ultrasound may prove an invaluable tool for equine athletes. According to veterinary researchers, power Doppler ultrasound appears to provide more information about tendon healing than conventional ultrasound images.^*

“Injuries to tendons, such as the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons, result in long lay-ups and consequently lost training and competition days. Further, traumatized tendons have a propensity for reinjury despite traditional rehabilitation programs and procedures,” explained Catherine Whitehouse, M.S., a Kentucky Equine Research advisor.

Conventional grayscale ultrasound images show the location, size, and extent of a tendon injury. Adding the color Doppler feature to these images shows blood flow in and around the injury, which is not found in healthy tendons.

Power Doppler shows blood but, unlike color Doppler, the power Doppler probe does not need to be perfectly aligned to the blood flow for useful results and is more sensitive in detecting abnormal vascularity in tendons.

This means that power Doppler may better assess tendon healing based on the presence of blood flow and scar tissue during the rehabilitation process. This tool can help guide caretakers regarding the safe return of horses to competition with minimal risk of reinjury.

“One key to keeping tendons healthy and injury-free is to ensure the overall health of the musculoskeletal system. Offering nutritional supplements that provide important precursors to musculoskeletal tissues such as chondroitin sulfate may prevent injury and support delicate tissues during the repair phase when injuries do occur,” Whitehouse advised.

Kentucky Equine Research offers several high-quality products designed to support the equine athlete’s musculoskeletal systems.

Triacton, also developed by Kentucky Equine Research, draws interest from sport horse enthusiasts for multiple reasons. “Triacton, a triple-action bone and digestive health supplement, is ideal for performance horses in training and those that have to be stalled due to injury. Triacton contains a highly digestible source of calcium plus key minerals and vitamins, such as vitamin C, to promote bone, tendon, and ligament strength,” Whitehouse added.

 ^*Lacitignola, L., S. Rossella, L. Pasquale, et al. 2020. Power Doppler to investigate superficial digital flexor tendinopathy in the horse. Open Veterinary Journal 9:317-321.