Bravo: Rehabilitation of Chronic Deep Digital Flexor Tendon Injuries and Neck Pain

Bravo is a 6 year old Quarter Horse gelding who presented to his veterinarian after a two year history of LF on and off lameness which had been managed medically and with corrective shoeing.  An MRI revealed a tear and roughening of his left front deep digital flexor tendon and some degree of tendonitis in his right front deep digital flexor tendon as well.   He was taken to surgery to debride the tendon and his distal tendon sheaths were injected with PRP (platelet rich plasma).

Due to the chronicity of Bravo’s injuries and a separate diagnosis of chronic arthritis in his neck, his prognosis for soundness was not good.   His owner began a simple, at-home recovery program of stall rest and hand walking.  After his tenth week in this program, his owner brought him to VRSVA for a more comprehensive rehabilitation program in hopes of giving him a better chance at long term comfort and soundness.    

We developed a rehabilitation program for Bravo using the Aquapacer, vibration plate therapy, Class IV laser therapy, balance pads, core exercises and neck stretches.  We slowly saw his body change, his muscles strengthen and his soundness and cervical comfort improve.  We started him under saddle and gradually increased his rehab ride times.  When he was sent home, he was up to 30 minutes of riding and was trotting sound! He is currently doing well and back at work at home.