## Overview Chronic superficial digital flexor tendon degeneration (tendinopathy) is the long-term remodeling and weakening of the superficial digital flexor tendon after repeated microdamage or incomplete healing of prior injury. The tendon may appear thickened, with altered fiber pattern on ultrasound, and remains prone to re-injury even when the horse is clinically sound. ## Causes Cumulative overload in athletic horses, especially racehorses and eventers, plus inadequate healing of earlier core lesions. ## Diagnosis History of prior bowed tendon, persistent thickening, and ultrasound showing fiber disruption, core lesions, or diffuse tendinopathy. Clinical lameness may be mild or absent. ## Treatment Controlled, ultrasound-guided rehabilitation lasting many months. Adjunctive therapies (biologics, shock wave) are sometimes used; evidence varies. Prevention of re-injury is the primary goal. ## Recovery and Prognosis Re-injury rates are high. Many horses return to a lower level of work; fewer regain previous elite performance. ## Prevention Careful conditioning, monitoring for early heat or thickening, and extended rehabilitation after any acute injury.
persistent tendon thickening; variable or absent lameness; ultrasound evidence of fiber disorganization or core lesions; history of previous bow
## Overview Chronic superficial digital flexor tendon degeneration (tendinopathy) is the long-term remodeling and weakening of the superficial digital flexor tendon after repeated microdamage or incomplete healing of prior injury. The tendon may appear thickened, with altered fiber pattern on ultrasound, and remains prone to re-injury even when the horse is clinically sound. ## Causes Cumulative overload in athletic horses, especially racehorses and eventers, plus inadequate healing of earlier core lesions. ## Diagnosis History of prior bowed tendon, persistent thickening, and ultrasound showing fiber disruption, core lesions, or diffuse tendinopathy. Clinical lameness may be mild or absent. ## Treatment Controlled, ultrasound-guided rehabilitation lasting many months. Adjunctive therapies (biologics, shock wave) are sometimes used; evidence varies. Prevention of re-injury is the primary goal. ## Recovery and Prognosis Re-injury rates are high. Many horses return to a lower level of work; fewer regain previous elite performance. ## Prevention Careful conditioning, monitoring for early heat or thickening, and extended rehabilitation after any acute injury.
persistent tendon thickening; variable or absent lameness; ultrasound evidence of fiber disorganization or core lesions; history of previous bow