🐴 Tendonitis Treatment in Horses with Urinary Bladder Matrix: Research & Realities in 2025 🧬🧪

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Tendonitis—inflammation and damage to a tendon—is a common challenge in performance horses, particularly in those that work at high speed or with repetitive strain. In the search for more regenerative therapies, a product known as urinary bladder matrix (UBM) has emerged as a novel option. In 2025, this approach is still under evaluation, but it shows interesting potential in reducing scarring and encouraging better tendon repair. Let’s take a closer look. 🧠🐎

🧠 What Is Tendonitis?

Tendonitis in horses typically involves the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), which runs along the back of the lower leg. Damage occurs when the tendon's load-bearing capacity is exceeded—leading to microtears, inflammation, and in some cases, complete rupture. 🦵💥

🔍 Signs of tendonitis include:

• 🔥 Heat and swelling along the back of the limb
• 🚶‍♂️ Lameness and reluctance to bear weight
• 🩺 Palpable thickening of the tendon

🛠️ Why Tendon Healing Is a Challenge

One of the major frustrations in treating tendon injuries is that tendons heal with scar tissue. Scar tissue is:

• 🧱 Less elastic than healthy tendon
• 📉 More prone to future tearing
• 🌀 Often results in reduced performance and high recurrence risk

That’s why researchers are exploring regenerative therapies that restore tendon structure rather than replace it with scar. 🧬

🧪 What Is Urinary Bladder Matrix (UBM)?

UBM is a powdered extracellular matrix derived from the urinary bladder of pigs. It’s processed to remove cells while preserving tissue scaffolding and bioactive compounds that are believed to:

• 🧠 Recruit the body’s own regenerative cells to the injury
• 💊 Reduce inflammation
• 🧵 Encourage the formation of normal tissue over scar

UBM has been used in other species (including humans) for wound healing, but its effectiveness in tendon repair is still under investigation. 🧪

🔬 What Does the Research Say?

A study performed at Colorado State University evaluated UBM in horses with experimentally-induced tendonitis. Tendons were treated with either UBM injections or saline (control). 🧬

📊 Key findings:

• 🧪 UBM did not significantly outperform saline in promoting tendon healing
• ⚖️ Healing quality and collagen organization were similar in both groups
• ⚠️ The UBM dosage used may have been lower than ideal

Importantly, the model used simulated tendonitis rather than studying naturally occurring injuries—which may behave differently. The variability in real-world tendon injuries makes standardized trials difficult. 🧠📉

📉 Limitations of Current UBM Research

The study highlights several challenges in evaluating UBM and similar therapies:

• 🧬 Dosing uncertainty: There is no universally accepted therapeutic dose for equine tendons
• 🧫 Inconsistent results between lab-induced and real-world tendon injuries
• 📊 Lack of long-term outcome data in performance horses

🔁 Where UBM Might Fit In

While UBM is not yet a go-to treatment for tendonitis, it could become part of a broader regenerative toolkit in the future. Its potential benefits may include:

• 🧵 Better tendon fiber regeneration when combined with rehab and loading protocols
• 🔬 Fewer side effects than synthetic materials or drugs
• 🧠 Possible immune modulation at the injury site

But until further studies are completed, UBM should be considered experimental. ❗

💡 Current Best Practices for Tendonitis

Proven tendon care still includes:

• 🧊 Ice and NSAIDs during the first 72 hours
• 🛌 Stall rest with gradual reintroduction of movement
• 🧠 Structured rehab including eccentric loading exercises (e.g., withers pull)
• 🩺 Ultrasound every 30–60 days to monitor healing

Stem cell injections and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) remain the most studied regenerative options in equine tendon care. 🧬💉

📲 Ask A Vet Before Trying New Therapies

Thinking about trying UBM or any regenerative treatment for your horse’s tendon injury? Visit AskAVet.com or use the Ask A Vet App to speak with a veterinarian who specializes in lameness and rehab. 📱🐴

Dr Duncan Houston and the Ask A Vet team can help evaluate treatment options, review research, and guide you toward therapies that fit your horse’s injury, workload, and budget. 💬🧠

🏁 Final Thoughts

UBM is a fascinating idea in regenerative medicine—but in 2025, it still needs more proof in equine tendonitis. If used, it should be paired with smart rehab, imaging, and expert oversight. As with any new therapy, do your research and consult your veterinarian. 🧠🐎

Looking to rebuild stronger tendons? Explore trusted recovery options at AskAVet.com 🐴🧪