Features of treatment and rehabilitation of horses with tendovaginitis

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to study the features of treatment and rehabilitation of horses with tendovaginitis in the conditions of an equestrian complex. The experiments involved 2 groups of horses that received tendon ruptures of different etiologies. The diagnosis of limb injuries was carried out based on anamnesis, clinical signs, ultrasound and X-ray studies. Treatment of all horses was carried out according to the scheme adopted at the MCSC “Kazan”. During complex therapy, the course of the process was monitored and the formation of an “arc” on the limb, thickening and consistency, soreness, the presence of edema, and an increase in local temperature were taken into account. As rehabilitation measures, free walking, walking, handwork, massage were prescribed. Additionally, hydromassage was used (water temperature 30–37 °С) above and below the injury site. All the horses were kept in the same conditions of the racetrack. The results obtained show that in addition to treatment for tendovaginitis, physical rehabilitation has become necessary to restore the normal volume of movements, ensure mobility, and dynamic stability of the limbs. The main principles of rehabilitation are: early initiation of rehabilitation measures, comprehensive use of all available and necessary means, individualization of the program, compliance with stages, continuity and succession throughout all stages of rehabilitation. The rehabilitation plan should be based on the assessment of functional disorders and the stages of the regeneration process. The rehabilitation program developed by us included kinesiotherapy, manual massage and hydromassage (water temperature 30–37 °С). The horses, who underwent daily rehabilitation measures, completely restored their damaged limbs and returned to a sports career.