Bowed tendon in horses and their management: A review of 18 cases

Abstract

Abnormal shape and size of deep digital flexor tendon appears bowed shape after repeated injuries to the tendon. A total of 18 horses were presented for treatment and management of bowed tendon; where incidence of mid bow was encountered the highest 44.44% (8/18), while classic bow 22.22% whereas low bow and high bow recorded 16.66% respectively. Clinical signs were pain on palpation, limping, inflammation and compromised weight bearing on affected limbs in acute stage; whereas in chronic cases pain was abolished gradually, but exhibited abnormal shape and size of tendon resulted in blemish appearance. All 18 horses treated with physiotherapy for 7 to 14 days along with medicinal management for 3-5 days abolished pain, while inflamed tendon had mild reduction in first five days of physiotherapy treatment and then after no reduction/ no visible reduction in inflammation was observed.