Quick: What’s the first diagnosis that comes to mind when you see an older horse with a hitch in his step? I don’t know about you, but “arthritis” is often the first thing that pops into my head. And while there’s probably some truth to that assumptionÑas most aged horses have some degree of arthritis, be it severe or minorÑI was recently reminded that a closer look might be in order. Soft tissue injuriesÑspecifically tendon and ligament injuriesÑaren’t uncommon in old horses.

As I was searching for a reference the other day on TheHorse.com, I stumbled upon a great article by our managing editor Alexandra on tendon and ligament injuries in older horses. In the article, Graham Munroe, BVSc(Hons), PhD, CertEO, DESM, Dipl. ECVS, FRCVS, of Flanders Veterinary Services, in Scotland, says that older horses suffer soft tissue injuries for reasons unique to their age group. For instance, he said, they often go hand-in-hand with less-than-ideal hoof care (e.g., long toes or low heels), laminitis, age-related tissue breakdown, reduced exercise, self-inflicted trauma during turnout, or obesity. Munroe also said that many senior horse owners are more likely to use conservative, noninvasive treatments; have less expectations of recovery; and some might delay veterinary involvement for economic reasons.