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Articles ( * = TheHorse.com members only )Date Posted
Treating Horses with Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells
Stem cell therapy has been used for soft tissue injuries, including stifle meniscal lesions following surgical debridement, and for treating tendon injuries. Bone marrow-derived stem cells are reported to achieve improved bone and cartilage effects as compared to fat-derived stem cells. It takes two to three weeks from the time marrow cells are collected from a horse's pelvis or sternum ... Read full story
 2/5/2010
Equine Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon Injuries Reviewed
Studies at both the molecular and cellular level are needed to better determine how tendon injuries occur, said a group of researchers in the United Kingdom. Only then can appropriate treatment and preventative measures be developed. "Some tendons are more prone to injury than others; the majority of tendon injuries (97-99%) occur to the forelimb tendons, with the superficial ... Read full story
 1/18/2010
Tendon Healing: Objective Measurement Method Reported  *
Equine veterinarians can now objectively monitor tendon healing using a technique called ultrasonographic tissue characterization (UTC), said researchers from The Netherlands. While a number of novel therapies for tendon healing have been introduced recently, means of evaluating their clinical utility is difficult. Developed by Gerco Bosch, DVM, PhD, an assistant professor at Utre ... Read full story
 12/28/2009
Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis Update  *
ESPA is a "new" name for an old disease: degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis (DSLD), a heritable, debilitating syndrome characterized by "an insidious onset of either bilateral or quadrilateral lameness with no history of trauma or injury," ... Read full story
 12/17/2009
Therapy Equipment
Musculoskeletal injuries abound in horses, and there are many strategies to manage them besides confining a horse and waiting it out. Ask your veterinarian about therapeutic modalities/therapy equipment that can help your horse return expediently to maximum performance. ... Read full story
 12/1/2009
After Tendon and Ligament Injuries: Improving the Outcome  *
Tendon and ligament injury in horses causes both economic and personal hardship for horse owners and industry professionals. A prolonged period of layup and rehabilitation is necessary, but whether the horse will be sound at the end of the rehabilitation period is uncertain. ... Read full story
 11/17/2009
Tendon Sheaths as a Source of Lameness in Horses  *
Tendons can be an important source of lameness in athletic horses, but issues with the tendon's sheath--the thin connective tissue wrapped around the tendons, containing synovial fluid--shouldn't be overlooked as another potential cause of lameness. "Diagnosing lameness originating from tendon sheaths is increasing with awareness and increased availability and use o ... Read full story
 11/4/2009
First Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Conference Coming in March   *
The UC Davis Center for Equine Health, in collaboration with the Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center, and the Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, is pleased to announce the 1st North American Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Conference to be held March 5-6, 2010, in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley just east of Santa Barbara, Calif. The conference is intended to be a two-day working meeting ... Read full story
 10/25/2009
Aseptic Platelet-Rich Plasma Preparation Essential in Equine Practice   *
Special laboratory equipment is not needed to produce bacteria-free platelet concentrates (commonly referred to as platelet-rich plasma), but stringent attention to proper aseptic technique is essential. Equine veterinarians are using platelet concentrates more often for the management of musculoskeletal disease. They can be prepared using a variety of methods, and they are often injecte ... Read full story
 9/15/2009
Investigating Platelet-Rich Plasma for Equine Tendon Injuries  *
A single injection of platelet-rich plasma appears beneficial for acute clinical tendon injuries in horses, report a group of scientists from The Netherlands. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a fraction of whole blood that contains a concentrated source of platelets--microscopic storage facilities for a variety of growth factors that facilitate healing. Considering the prevalence ... Read full story
 9/9/2009
Tendons Show Improved Healing with Glycosaminoglycan Polysulfate  *
Injecting glycosaminoglycan polysulfate directly into lesions of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) significantly improves reorganization of the tendon's collagen bundles during the healing process, report Brazilian veterinary researchers. Tendon injuries are an important source of lameness and decreased performance in horses. Despite aggressive management, there is a high rate ... Read full story
 8/29/2009
Lawsuit Claims Racehorse 'I Want Revenge' Injury Not Disclosed  *
IEAH Stables has filed court documents claiming that David Lanzman failed to disclose injuries to I Want Revenge that eventually led to the 3-year-old colt being scratched on the morning of the Kentucky Derby, for which he was the morning-line favorite. IEAH purchased 50% interest in the son of Stephen Got Even on March 25 for $3,175,00, and on April 4 the colt won the Wood Memorial ... Read full story
 7/16/2009
Soft Tissue Injury Prompts Retirement of Pioneerof the Nile   *
Zayat Stables' Pioneerof the Nile, winner of four consecutive graded stakes and second in the Kentucky Derby, has been retired due to a soft tissue injury to his left front leg. One of the top colts of his generation, the homebred son of Empire Maker, captured in succession the CashCall Futurity, Robert B. Lewis Stakes, San Felipe Stakes, and Santa Anita Derby, displaying an ... Read full story
 7/10/2009
French Derby Winner Le Havre Retired  *
Thoroughbred Le Havre, winner of the June 7 Prix du Jockey-Club (Fr-I, the French Derby) for owner Gerard Augustin-Normand, has been retired from racing because of a tendon injury suffered during the classic race, according to the Racing Post. Trainer Jean-Claude Rouget bought Le Havre for 100,000 euros (approximately $135,000) at the 2007 Arqana Deauville August sale. Bred in ... Read full story
 7/5/2009
UC Davis Vet School Opens Stem Cell Laboratory   *
Focused on providing the latest in stem cell therapies for horses, the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine has opened its new Regenerative Medicine Laboratory at the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. The new laboratory provides a state-of-the art facility for processing, culturing and storing stem cells for use in horses. It is one of ... Read full story
 5/19/2009
Injury to Scratched Derby Favorite I Want Revenge More Serious  *
The injury that kept I Want Revenge out of the May 2 Kentucky Derby will keep him from racing for months and threaten his career if he doesn't respond well to therapy, the horse's veterinarian said May 5. Foster Northrop, DVM, said swelling in I Want Revenge's right front ankle, once considered only mild, progressed over the weekend, and an ultrasound and MRI showed additional ligament ... Read full story
 5/6/2009
Protective Boots: Researchers Call for Standards, Testing  *
Many horses sport leg protection while working or during turnout. Some horse owners also use "support" boots, which are designed to lessen the strain on their horses' lower-limb tendons and ligaments. But David Marlin, BSc (Hons.), PhD, says some boots might be doing little to protect your horse's legs and could even be causing them harm. ... Read full story
 4/27/2009
Stem Cell Therapy Effective for Tendonitis in Cornell Study   *
Horses faced with career-ending tendon injuries might possess the power to heal themselves. According to Alan J. Nixon, BVSc, MS, Dipl. ACVS, and colleagues from Cornell University, veterinarians might be able to effectively treat horses with injuries to their superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFT) by injecting stem cells directly into the injured tendon using cells that were harveste ... Read full story
 4/25/2009
VetCell's Stem Cell Technique to Undergo Human Trials  *
VetCell Bioscience's pioneering stem cell technique, which is used to return injured horses to top levels of performance, will be tested in human medicine. The trials will be conducted by VetCell's parent company MedCell Bioscience Ltd under the guidance of David Glover, MD, former medical director of Cambridge Antibody Technologies, Professor Nicola Maffulli, MD, MS, PhD, FRCS(Orth), one of ... Read full story
 4/18/2009
Tendon Issue Takes The Pamplemousse Off Kentucky Derby Trail  *
The morning after the scratch of pre-race favorite The Pamplemousse from the Santa Anita Derby due to a tendon flare-up, co-owner Alex Solis II said the promising colt is off the Kentucky Derby trail. Later, Solis said The Pamplemousse would be out of action a minimum of six months. "He has a small lesion (on the tendon in his left front leg) and we'll do the best thing by the ... Read full story
 4/6/2009
Tendon Angle and Navicular Lameness (AAEP 2008)   *
Why might one horse suffer from injury to the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) in the navicular area while another doesn't? A recent study suggests that the angle of the DDFT as it passes over the navicular bone might have a lot to do with it. ... Read full story
 3/15/2009
Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatments offered by Marion DuPont Scott Equine Center in Virginia  *
One of the most common causes of lameness in horses--an injury to tendon and ligaments--can now be treated at Virginia Tech's Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center near Leesburg, Va., with one of the newest treatments available, platelet-rich plasma. ... Read full story
 2/20/2009
Meet Core Sponsors of UC Davis Regenerative Medicine Group   *
Motivated by a desire to help broaden the exploration of regenerative medicine as a treatment option for companion animals and horses, Dick and Carolyn Randall of Cupertino, Calif., provided core funding to launch a five-year, $2.5 million study of the therapeutic potential of adult stem cells. Mr. Randall, a retired business executive and Quarter Horse breeder, has been riding reining ... Read full story
 11/24/2008
Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine in Horses  *
Regenerative medicine technology in humans and animals is advancing at a much faster pace than most of us realize. It has offered hope to thousands of humans suffering from diseases and injuries that destroy or damage vital cells. In animals, much of the research has been focused on orthopedic injuries in horses and dogs: bone fractures, arthritis, and tendon and ligament injuries. There have ... Read full story
 11/21/2008
Stem Cells for Tendon Repair  *
Findings from the RVC indicate that stem cell therapy for superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injury can significantly reduce the rate of re-injury over a three year period compared to conventionally treated horses. ... Read full story
 11/20/2008
Suspensory Injury Brings Retirement of Evening Attire   *
The old warrior Evening Attire, a stakes-winning Thoroughbred racehorse at age 10 and earner of nearly $3 million, has been retired due to a suspensory injury, co-owners and breeders Tommy Kelly and Joseph and Mary Grant announced Sept. 28. He retires with 15 victories, 16 seconds, and nine thirds from 69 starts for earnings of $2,977,130. Trained by Kelly's son Pat, ... Read full story
 9/29/2008
Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for Tendon Injuries: The Fat is Phat  *
Stem cell research has shown that adult stem cells can be safely and easily harvested from fat deposits in a horse and used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal diseases. These cells are capable of becoming bone, muscle, cartilage, or tendon cells. Once introduced to the injury site, adipose-derived stem cells can help heal the affected tissues. ... Read full story
 8/1/2008
Synthetic Track Surfaces Discussed in New York  *
A cross-section of the racing industry addressed the New York Task Force on Retired Race Horses on the subject of synthetic surfaces at a one-day forum held July 29 at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Co. pavilion in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Sixteen panelists, who comprised five moderated panels, spoke to 10 members of the task force and an audience of about 50 people. The <A ... Read full story
 7/30/2008
Understanding and Preventing Catastrophic Injuries  *
Following the euthanasia of filly Eight Belles, who suffered catastrophic injuries to both front legs a quarter mile after finishing second in the 2008 Kentucky Derby, members of every sector of the Thoroughbred industry have banded together to proactively address safety and welfare issues. In this article, representative members of the equine industry together provide an in-depth exploration ... Read full story
 7/1/2008
Special Report: Catastrophic Injuries  *
Following the euthanasia of the filly Eight Belles, who suffered catastrophic injuries to both front legs a quarter-mile after finishing second in the Kentucky Derby, members of every sector of the Thoroughbred industry have banded together to proactively address safety and welfare issues. The Horse: Your Guide To Equine Health Care is proud to present a <A ... Read full story
 6/17/2008
Two Graded Stakes Winners Retired Due to Suspensory Issues  *
Grade I winners Nobiz like Shobiz and Panty Raid have been retired due to suspensory problems. Stud plans are being decided for millionaire Nobiz Like Shobiz. A 4-year-old son of Albert the Great, Nobiz Like Shobiz scored his big win in last year's Wood Memorial Stakes. He earned a career total of $1,544,730 racing for his breeder, Elizabeth Valando. According to trainer Barclag ... Read full story
 5/28/2008
O'Connors Release Statement on Theodore O'Connor Euthanasia   *
David and Karen O'Connor have released a statement regarding the euthanasia of Theodore O'Connor. The statement reads: "'Teddy' got frightened and bolted. He slipped running back to the barn and suffered a severe laceration to his hind leg, severing the tendons and ligaments. Dr. A. Kent Allen was on the scene immediately and it was determined after examination that the injuries wer ... Read full story
 5/28/2008
Vet Calls Theodore O'Connor Euthanasia 'The Right Thing to Do'  *
"Karen and David (O'Connor) would have done anything to let this little guy have a shot," said Kent Allen, DVM, one of the three veterinarians who attended Theodore O'Connor following the gelding's catastrophic injury this morning and a long-time friend and veterinarian for Team O'Connor. "The right thing to do was euthanize him." Allen has spent decades attending top-level event horses ... Read full story
 5/28/2008
MRI for Diagnosing Sesamoidean Ligament Desmitis   *
The high degree of detail seen with MRI has made it possible for veterinarians to find equine injuries they've never seen before. One example of this--MRI evaluation of desmitis in the oblique and straight distal sesamoidean ligaments--was discussed. ... Read full story
 4/28/2008
Diagnosing Upper Cannon Area Injuries   *
Pain originating in the upper cannon bone area, just below the knee or hock, is common in all types of equine athletes. Determining exactly what structure is injured, though, can be difficult; some injuries can only be seen with high-field MRI. At the 2007 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 1-5 in Orlando, Fla., Matthew Brokken, DVM, clinical assistant professo ... Read full story
 4/21/2008
ACell Tendonitis Treatment Study   *
"Tendonitis of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is a common injury in horses, especially racehorses and event horses," began Ty Wallis, DVM, a third-year resident in equine surgery at Colorado State University (CSU). "It's usually hyperextension-related, and affected horses have a prolonged convalescence and high rate of recurrence." Wallis discussed tendonitis and a CSU stud ... Read full story
 4/16/2008
The State of Stem Cell Therapy   *
Stem cell therapy has received a good deal of attention in both human and veterinary medicine in recent years. It holds theoretical promise for treating conditions ranging from traumatic tendon and cartilage injury to liver failure, Parkinson's disease, and nerve/spinal cord damage, but it is still in its infancy. At the 2007 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. ... Read full story
 3/22/2008
Reviewing Limb Cellulitis: Management Key to Good Outcome   *
According to a new Canadian study, cellulitis--a diffuse bacterial infection of the skin and associated tissues--is common in horses, particularly Thoroughbreds, but is rarely life threatening if managed appropriately. "Despite being a common affliction in horses, little evidence is available regarding the cause, predisposing factors, or ideal diagnostic or treatment strategies," said ... Read full story
 3/13/2008
ACell Therapy for Injuries; Powder Form Again Available   *
Tissue-engineered products such as extracellular matrix (a graft material that can be implanted at the site of damaged tissue) are being used by a growing number of equine veterinarians to stimulate swifter and better healing for tendon and ligament injuries. One commercially available product, ACell Vet Powder (derived from urinary pig bladder matrix), recently resumed production after ... Read full story
 8/17/2007
Tendons and Ligaments: Anatomy and Physiology  *
Tendons and ligaments in the horse are the "belts" and "cables" that hold bones in place and allow the muscles to do their jobs in creating propulsion-- forward, backward, sideways, and up and down. Because of the workload often put upon them, tendons and ligaments are frequent sites of injury and disease. ... Read full story
 9/1/2006
Platelet-Rich Plasma Treats Tendon and Ligament Problems  *
A Cornell University scientist recently showed that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy can enhance healing and quality of repair at the cellular level in treating tendonitis and suspensory ligament desmitis. Lisa A. Fortier, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, assistant professor of large animal surgery at Cornell, is also studying whether PRP reduces susceptibility to re-injury. Historically, treatmen ... Read full story
 8/1/2006
Torn Eyelid Injury
The bottom line is any injury that tears skin or causes painful swelling around the eye should receive immediate veterinary attention. I would have advised a visit on the day of this injury. ... Read full story
 7/1/2006
Hematomas in Horses
What exactly happens the minute after the direct trauma (like a kick or a collision)? How does the blood pool? Are there many complications? Samantha Martin, Alberta, Canada It’s hard to make generalized statements about how to treat hematomas or bruises because there are so many variations in location and seriousness. ... Read full story
 5/1/2006
Severed Extensor Tendon   *
One afternoon in December, my gelding George lurched into the barn with a hole where his knee used to be. The emergency veterinarian, Dr. Zimmerman, soon confirmed our worst fears: George's extensor tendon was severed, his tendon sheath damaged, and his joint capsule punctured. Our best guess, since his left side was covered in mud, was that he'd fallen while running an ... Read full story
 7/1/2005
Assess Heel Lacerations Early for Best Recovery  *
"A simple heel bulb laceration may look like a regular 'nothing' cut, but it could be life-threatening if it's in the coffin joint, so you need to get it evaluated right away," said Robin M. Dabareiner, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, while describing a study she completed recently with colleagues at Texas A&M University (TAMU) College of Veterinary Medicine. "Ninety-five percent of horses with thi ... Read full story
 4/26/2005
Lameness (AAEP Convention 2004 Wrap-Up)  *
Keegan said most equine practitioners use head movement to determine forelimb lameness and pelvis movement to clarify hind limb lameness. He added that multiple lamenesses can certainly complicate the issue. ... Read full story
 3/3/2005
AAEP Convention 2004: Tendonitis of the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon  *
"Tendon and ligament injuries are very common in the horse--in performance horses and racehorses," said Tamara M. Swor, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, clinical instructor of equine surgery and emergency care at Washington State University, at the 50th annual American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention in Denver, Colo., Dec. 4-8, 2004. "When you look in the literature, the most commonly ... Read full story
 2/14/2005
AAEP Convention 2004: Distal Phalanx Angles and DDFT Lesions?  *
"We have recognized since we've had the ability to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that deep digital flexor tendonitis is a common cause of lameness, but the etiology (cause) is poorly understood," said Sue J. Dyson, VetMB, PhD, FRCVS, of the Center for Equine Studies at the Animal Health Trust, at the 50th annual American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention in Denver, ... Read full story
 2/14/2005
Arthroscopy for Meniscal Tears   *
A meniscus is an interarticular (between joints) synovial cartilage or membrane. Meniscal tears in the stifle joint are well described in human athletes and dogs. Despite a few published reports in horses, however, the condition remains difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to treat because of a paucity of information regarding arthroscopic findings and prognosis. In an effort to ... Read full story
 9/1/2004
Tendons: Keep Them Moving   *
Like keeping the pistons of an engine lubricated for smooth, easy movement, the tendon sheaths of a horse function similarly by providing a friction-free environment in which tendons can move. But if the lubricant becomes fouled, engine malfunction follows. It's the same with a horse's tendons. ... Read full story
 8/1/2004
Problems in the Hip and Pelvis   *
When you think about equine lameness, you probably think first about the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the leg, and of course the hoof. But lameness can also stem from trouble higher up the skeleton, including the pelvic (or sacroiliac) region. While considered relatively uncommon, pelvis-based lameness might be more prevalent than previously thought. What's more, a new strategy ... Read full story
 7/1/2004
Bumps and Bruises  *
Horses often get banged and bruised by running into things, being kicked by another horse, falling down when running and bucking, etc. It's not unusual to suddenly discover your horse has a large, soft lump on some part of his body. The most common areas are the hindquarters, chest, or along the ribs. The skin might not be damaged, but the injured tissues underneath can bleed or ooze serum, ... Read full story
 5/1/2004
AAEP 2003: Western Performance Horse Health  *
Attendees of the Western Performance Horse Sunrise Session at the 2003 American Association of Equine Practitioners' convention were greatly interested in lameness problems that plague Western performance horses. Moderators Jerry Black, DVM, past president of the AAEP and a senior partner of Pioneer Equine Hospital in Northern California; and Scott Taylor, DVM, from the Arizona Equine Medical ... Read full story
 3/11/2004
Longitudinal Tears in the DDFT   *
Horses with chronic inflammation of the digital flexor tendon (DDFT) sheath that doesn't respond to conventional therapy might be suffering from longitudinal tears in the DDFT. Warmbloods which suffer from chronic annular ligament constriction syndrome (ALCS) also could have hidden longitudinal tears. Unfortunately, it is not easy to diagnose longitudinal tears. Ultrasonography, which is ... Read full story
 3/1/2004
New Treatment for Tendon and Ligament Injuries  *
A medical device derived from the lining of urinary bladders of specially bred pigs shows promise for healing equine tendon and ligament injuries, according to Rick Mitchell, DVM, of Fairfield Equine Associates in Newtown, Conn. Mitchell recently addressed a group of veterinarians at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Wash., about the technology and his positive experiences with it in his ... Read full story
 12/31/2003
Bursitis and Synovitis   *
A swelling on the limb that might or might not be accompanied by lameness could be the first sign of bursitis or synovitis. These are similar, moderately common inflammatory conditions of the structures that produce synovial (joint) fluid. "When synovial structures become inflamed, distension (swelling) and pain can follow," says Joanne Kramer, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, clinical assistant ... Read full story
 12/1/2003
Arkansas Horses Recovering from Brutal Beatings  *
Nearly three months after they were selected from among several other horses and viciously beaten, two Arkansas Quarter Horses, three-year-old buckskin filly Quarter Horse Puddin' and five-year-old sorrel mare Fat Girl, are alive but remain seriously injured. The horses were attacked Aug. 6 in the town of Guy, while owner Patrice Swan was gone for 90 minutes helping a neighbor with a ... Read full story
 11/5/2003
A Pain in the Hock   *
The hock is a complex joint of the rear limb situated between the stifle and the ankle that consists of six bones and four joints. Similar to the human ankle--but elevated and bending backward--the hock works in concert with the stifle, flexing and extending together with the stifle to achieve rear end propulsion. As the pivotal hind limb joint, the hock receives considerable forces. It's no ... Read full story
 10/1/2003
Hunter's Bump  *
Named for the sport in which it often occurs, hunter's (or jumper's) bump is a sometimes painful pelvic condition that affects performance and gait. It's tricky to diagnose, occurs in horses which do many different disciplines, and can be an acute or chronic condition. Hunter's bump is a prominence of the tuber sacrale, a part of the hip bone that lies at the highest point of both sides of th ... Read full story
 10/1/2003
The Sound Barrier  *
The debate over fast workout times for sale 2-year-olds The specter of catastrophic injury continues to haunt sales of Thoroughbred 2-year-olds in training. Every time a horse breaks down during an under-tack show, the debate heats up again. Are immature racing prospects being asked to work too fast too soon? John Kimmel, a trainer who has a veterinary degree, believe ... Read full story
 4/30/2003
When Your Horse's Muscles Ache   *
Equine muscle injuries are often elusive, leading to frustration for the rider and a challenging diagnosis for the veterinarian. Since muscle injury can accompany and/or mimic skeletal problems, tendon or ligament injury, or neurological disease, diagnosis can be quite complicated. The best way to prevent muscle injury is to keep horses in regular exercise programs and avoid demanding more of ... Read full story
 3/1/2003
Joint Disease Research  *
Scientific researchers have learned that the injuries suffered by human and equine athletes, especially as they relate to joints, often are very similar. Now, they are using that knowledge in their attempts to find ways to prevent injuries to both. ... Read full story
 12/5/2002
Buddha Injury Still Uncertain  *
Diagnostics were still being done on pre-Derby second choice Buddha on the Monday after the race. His attending veterinarian, Dr. Ken Reed, said while they hadn’t found out a whole lot more, Buddha was sent on Sunday night (May 5) to Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky., under the care of Dr. Larry Bramlage. Buddha will undergo other testing at the clinic, including a bone scan ... Read full story
 5/6/2002
Jump Landings and Tendon Strain  *
Lameness in show jumpers is often caused by forelimb tendon injury. The superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is most frequently injured, followed by the interosseus tendon (IT), and the accessory ligament (AL), while the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) is rarely injured. Repetitive landings over high fences produce significant forces on these tendons. Past studies have calculated ... Read full story
 5/1/2002
Tendons and Ligaments  *
It should come as no surprise that horses suffer from tendon and ligament injuries. When one considers these vital parts of the equine anatomy and the stresses placed upon them, it's a tribute to the horse's physical make-up that there aren't more injuries. Unfortunately, when an injury does occur to a tendon or ligament, it can be career-threatening or even life-threatening. Tendon and ... Read full story
 4/1/2002
Dubai Symposium 1996  *
His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in his opening remarks at the Dubai International Equine Symposium summed up the purpose of the meeting in six words: For the good of the horse. He arranged for an unprecedented gathering of the world's experts to discuss the health and problems associated with soft tissues. As important as the formal lectures, however, was the ... Read full story
 10/16/2001
Progress in Lameness Therapy: Bluegrass Laminitis Symposium 1997  *
Any treatment of laminitis must be prefaced by answering questions such as: "Do I save this horse regardless of the cost? Is it imperative that this horse race again?" What sort of care will be available to the horse following application of special shoes and/or surgery is also a key question. ... Read full story
 10/11/2001
Tendon Injuries in Horses  *
Tendon injuries can be extremely frustrating. The best way to deal with them is to make every effort to prevent them, or if possible, limit the degree of damage that occurs. Certainly some tendon injuries occur acutely without any warning, but many more severe injuries are preceded by some signs of subtle lameness or palpable abnormalities in the tendons. It is therefore important to learn ... Read full story
 9/13/2001
Bapten Discontinued By PR Pharmaceuticals  *
The equine tendon medication Bapten has been discontinued by its manufacturer, PR Pharmaceuticals, because of a lack of demand for the product. The expense and length of treatment involved with Bapten therapy kept the drug from becoming popular with horse owners, according to Keri Nightingale, the company's marketing manager for Bapten. "It requires a bit of a commitment on the horse ... Read full story
 12/1/1999
Tendon Drug Is Back On The Market   *
According to the manufacturer of Bapten, a drug used for the treatment of tendinitis of the superficial digital flexor tendon in the horse, the drug is again on the market. There was a “stop-sale” on Bapten in Oct. 1998 due to “a small number of reports of apparent excessive swelling post treatment,” according to Boehringer Ingelheim. <FONT ... Read full story
 3/12/1999
Tendon Drug Bapten Removed From Market   *
Bapten, a medication that has shown promise in the treatment of bowed tendons, has been taken off the market because of reports of a troubling side effect. A prepared statement from Boehringer Ingelheim, the pharmaceutical company that distributes the drug, described the suspension of sales as "temporary." According to the statement, the ... Read full story
 12/11/1998
Therapeutic Ultrasound  *
The use of ultrasonic sound for diagnosis and treatment in human and equine medicine is not new, and in fact is becoming commonplace. Most horse breeders, for example, are familiar with the use of diagnostic ultrasound to detect and monitor reproductive problems and pregnancy. Sport horse owners in large numbers have seen ultrasound employed in diagnosing ligament and tendon injuries. But ... Read full story
 11/1/1998
Tendon Repair Drug Approved   *
The FDA has approved the first and only medication designed to improve the quality of repair to injured or "bowed" tendons. Bapten (beta-aminopropionitrile fumarate), manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, is labeled for use in treating superficial digital flexor tendon injuries. While it does not shorten the time needed for recuperation, it does promote proper tendon healing and ... Read full story
 6/26/1998
Equine Tendon Lacerations: Part 2  *
Electric fence wire, barbed wire, sheet metal...What do these things have in common? They all have caused catastrophic tendon injuries in horses. The structure and function of tendons, as well as flexor tendon desmitis, were reviewed in the July issue. In this article, we will focus on the therapy and prognosis for the laceration of a tendon. Obviously, given the structure and function of ... Read full story
 8/1/1997