Slew, our beloved 27-year-old Thoroughbred, has been a cherished member of the Texas Equine family for a couple years almost & with his owner for about 17. Recently, he has been facing significant health challenges, struggling with severe pain and mobility issues. We now know that he is dealing with three separate issues: ringbone in his left front foot, a bowed tendon in his front right leg, and an undiagnosed issue with his back right hip that could be a misalignment or a pinched nerve.
Understanding Ringbone
Ringbone is a progressive and painful condition that causes bony growths to form around a horse's joints in the lower limbs. It primarily affects the pastern joint (high ringbone) or the coffin joint (low ringbone) and is considered a form of osteoarthritis. Several factors can contribute to the development of ringbone, including repetitive stress on the joint due to hard surfaces, injuries, poor conformation, or excessive weight bearing. Symptoms of ringbone include lameness, swelling, heat around the affected joint, and visible bony growths on the pastern area.
While there is no cure for ringbone, various treatment options can help manage the condition and provide relief. These include shoeing adjustments, anti-inflammatory medications, joint injections, shockwave therapy, and, in severe cases, surgical joint fusion (arthrodesis). Managing ringbone requires careful monitoring and a combination of treatments to ensure the horse's comfort. Because of this diagnosis, Slew will no longer be able to participate in riding lessons, even if his other injuries heal.
Understanding Bowed Tendons
The bump on Slew’s front right cannon bone is unrelated to his ringbone diagnosis. It turns out that he has a bowed tendon, which the vet explained is similar to a sprained ankle in humans. A bowed tendon occurs when the tendon fibers become overstretched or torn, leading to inflammation and swelling. Recovery can take time, but with proper care, many horses can heal well.
How Athletic Taping Can Help a Bowed Tendon
Athletic tape, also known as kinesiology tape, can be a valuable tool in supporting a horse with a bowed tendon. The tape provides targeted support while promoting circulation and healing. Here’s how it works:
Supports the tendon: The tape provides stability without restricting movement, allowing the tendon to heal properly.
Increases blood flow: By lifting the skin, the tape creates space for better fluid circulation, which enhances blood flow to the injured area.
Reduces pain: The tape helps relieve tension in surrounding muscles, reducing swelling and discomfort.
Improves circulation: The improved blood and lymphatic flow help remove congestion and promote healing.
Using Athletic Taping for Hip Support
In addition to ringbone and a bowed tendon, Slew has an ongoing issue with his back right hip. The precise cause is still being determined, but it could be a misalignment, a pinched nerve, or another musculoskeletal issue. Equine taping is also used to support the hip by reducing strain, improving circulation, and enhancing mobility. Here’s how taping can help hip injuries:
Provides muscle support: The tape helps reduce stress on the hip muscles, allowing them to work more efficiently.
Encourages proper movement: By enhancing proprioception, taping can help Slew move more comfortably and with better balance.
Aids in pain relief: Just as with his tendon, taping can help alleviate tension and reduce discomfort in the hip area.
Assists with realignment: If the issue is a misalignment, taping can be combined with chiropractic treatments to encourage proper positioning and healing.
The Benefits of Equine Taping for Injury Recovery
Equine taping is a widely used therapy for various injuries, not just bowed tendons and hip issues. Its benefits include:
Non-invasive and drug-free relief for pain and inflammation.
Increased flexibility and range of motion for horses recovering from injuries.
A supportive aid when used alongside veterinary care, chiropractic adjustments, and physical therapy.
Continuing Care and Hope for Recovery
While Slew will no longer be able to participate in riding lessons due to his ringbone, we are hopeful that he will heal well from his bowed tendon and hip issues. If he does, he can still engage with students on the ground for mild, fun activities—and, of course, he will always need plenty of hugs and kisses. His owner, Tammy, has been visiting him frequently, ensuring he receives the care and affection he needs.
We will continue to support Slew on this journey, using a combination of veterinary treatments, chiropractic adjustments, and supportive therapies like taping. His resilience and the love from those around him remind us of the deep bonds we share with our horses and the lengths we go to ensure their well-being. We appreciate everyone who has shown concern and care for our beloved friend.
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