🩺 Equine Contracted Tendons: A Vet’s 2025 Guide | Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Meta description: Learn to identify, treat, and prevent contracted tendons—flexural limb deformities—in foals and young horses. Early intervention is key for optimal outcomes with holistic support.

1. 🧬 What Are Contracted Tendons?

Contracted tendons are flexural limb deformities in foals where tendons (most commonly the superficial or deep digital flexor tendons) are too short relative to bone length, causing knuckling of the fetlock or pastern. In severe cases, the foot may stand upright—known as club foot or fetlock knuckling :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

In utero positioning, rapid growth, nutritional imbalance, genetics, illness, or injury can trigger these conditions :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. Early detection and management are crucial to prevent permanent deformity.

2. 🔎 Causes & Risk Factors

• Congenital: Improper fetal positioning, uterine constraint :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Growth‑spurt‑related: Bones lengthen faster than tendons, causing contracture :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Nutritional imbalance: Excess calories or unbalanced minerals predispose foals to tendon issues :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Genetic predisposition: Some lines are more susceptible, though diet and growth play larger roles :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Acquired causes: Pain, illness, injury, or inadequate exercise may contribute :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

3. 🩺 Clinical Signs & Diagnosis

• Stance: foal stands on tip‑toes with heels off the ground; fetlock may knuckle forward :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Knuckling may occur in front or hind legs.
• Hoof shape: upright pastern, concave toe—early club foot :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Pain on passive extension; reduced range of motion.

Diagnosis typically involves physical examination with manual manipulation; radiographs assess angular deformity. Advanced cases may require ultrasound or surgical evaluation :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

4. 🛠️ Treatment Options

4.1 Mild Cases

Natural walking and turnout often allow tendons to stretch and correct over time. Monitor daily for improvement :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

4.2 Moderate Cases

• Oxytetracycline® injection: A high IV dose causes transient tendon relaxation by binding calcium in muscles/tendons. Improvement is often seen within hours—repeat if needed :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Hoof trimming and supportive shoes: Rasping the toe, adding heel extensions to encourage appropriate hoof‑pastern alignment :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Splints/Bandaging: Padded splints applied carefully straighten the limb; monitor for pressure sores :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Controlled exercise: Daily exercise on firm ground helps stretch tendons :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

4.3 Severe or Chronic Cases

When sufficient correction doesn’t occur, surgical release may be necessary:

• Inferior or superior check ligament desmotomy: Severing accessory ligaments relieves tendon tension :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• DDFT tenotomy: Deep tendon cut in very severe, non‑responsive fetlock contracture :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Post‑surgical care: Hoof support, veterinarian‑led rehab and gradual exercise :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.

Prognosis depends on early intervention and severity. Mild-to-moderate foals usually recover fully; chronic cases bear guarded outlook :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

5. 🕒 Rehabilitation & Aftercare

• Monitor hoof‑pastern alignment weekly, adjusting trimming/shoes.
• Remove/adjust splints frequently to avoid sores.
• Use controlled exercise gradually—start hand‑walking and progress to turnout as tendon length improves.
• For surgical cases, follow post-op plan with confined rest, bandaging and gradual loading over 2–3 months.
• Use ultrasound to track tendon healing post-surgery :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.

6. 🛡️ Prevention Strategies

• Ensure balanced broodmare nutrition—avoid overfeeding concentrates :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
• Provide turnout and safe exercise in early foal life.
• Regular limb checks during first weeks to detect contracture early.
• Control growth rate if foal grows rapidly—adjust feed accordingly :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
• Have corrective trimming/shoeing ready at first sign of distortion.

7. 📈 Prognosis Overview

• Mild cases: Almost always full recovery with no intervention.
• Moderate cases: Good to excellent prognosis with early oxytetracycline and splinting.
• Severe/chronic: Possible full function with surgery; but athletic future may be limited :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.
• Delayed treatment: Higher risk of permanent club foot and decreased performance potential.

8. 🤝 Ask A Vet Tailored Support

• 📋 Early remote evaluations—video and photo assessment by foal experts.
• 📆 Dosing guidance for oxytetracycline, splint schedules, trimming schedules.
• 📸 Rehab tracking—image uploads to monitor hoof angle and tendon progress.
• 🎓 Live webinars: “Tendon Contractures 101,” “Splint & Shoe Care,” “Surgical Referral Planning.”
• 🔁 Automated reminders: rechecks, trim dates, taper plans after surgery.

9. ❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can foals outgrow mild contracted tendons?

Yes—most mild cases self-correct with exercise and monitoring :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.

Is surgery always needed?

No. Only severe or chronic contractures unresponsive to conservative therapy require surgical intervention :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.

Is oxytetracycline safe?

Yes—when administered IV at appropriate veterinary dose (44 mg/kg); repeatable once or twice only :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}.

Can older horses be treated?

Less responsive—the younger the foal, the better the outcome with conservative therapy. Adult contractures often need surgery and carry guarded prognosis :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}.

10. ✅ Final Takeaway

Contracted tendons are common yet manageable flexural deformities—especially when detected early. Use oxytetracycline, splints, trimming, and controlled exercise to restore limb function. In severe cases, surgery may be required. With Ask A Vet’s remote evaluation, customized plans, and follow-up support, your foal can reach its full potential and thrive in 2025 and beyond.