At one point or another, most athletic horses suffer some type of musculoskeletal injury, regardless of their performance level. Joints, tendons, and ligaments are among the most commonly affected structures.

In joint injury/disease for example, once the joint becomes inflamed, a series of events results in continued inflammation, culminating in pain, swelling, decreased range of motion, and a progressive deterioration of the articular cartilage lining the ends of long bones.

Tendons and ligaments, on the other hand, do attempt to heal, but instead of simply repairing or replacing injured fibers, the body produces scar tissue. Scar tissue has far less strength and elasticity than normal, healthy tendon and ligament fibers, which explains why tendon and ligament reinjury rates are so high despite prolonged recovery times (six to nine months or more).

Veterinarians use a variety of diagnostic tools to identify these injuries, including but not limited to physical exams and flexion tests, needle arthroscopy, MRI, X ray, and ultrasound. An accurate diagnosis can help veterinarians identify an appropriate treatment plan.

Download this fact sheet to learn how scientific advances in regenerative therapies, including stem cells therapy, IRAP, PRP, can help horses recover following injury.