[Diagnosis and therapy of tendinitis exemplified by the athletic horse].

The research discusses diagnosing and treating tendinitis in horses, highlighting the role of ultrasound technology in determining the extent of damage and suggesting a thorough therapeutic approach that aims to restore the tendon strength without causing additional issues.

Introduction to the Research

• The research aimed to share insights about diagnosing and treating tendinitis in horses, drawing on the researchers’ knowledge and experiences, as well as referencing the existing literature on the subject.
• The focus was on using ultrasonography as a sensitive diagnostic tool while proposing an effective therapeutic strategy.

Diagnosis of Tendinitis

• An ultrasound is used to diagnose tendinitis and gauge the extent of damage to the tendon. It also helps in providing differential diagnoses like peritendinitis.

Therapy for Acute Tendinitis

• The paper identified three principles for the treatment of acute tendinitis: immediate reduced exercise or rest, physical therapy to decrease inflammation, and the use of both local and systemic anti-inflammatory medicines.
• The treatment aims to restore the tensile strength of the tendon without creating peritendinous granulation tissue and adhesions.
• The goal is to stimulate intrinsic healing and suppress extrinsic healing. All forms of counterirritation are discouraged due to their tendency to increase inflammation.
• Passive motion and massage can increase blood flow and reduce adhesions. Local injection of hyaluronic acid can promote intrinsic healing and decrease adhesions without side effects.

Treatment Phases

• Depending on the severity of tendon damage, the healing period can be divided into four phases. The phases include immobilisation (only in severe cases), passive motion and massage, careful exercise (hand walk or walk under saddle) and controlled slow and gradual training.
• Progress is continually monitored via ultrasound, ensuring the therapy is adjusted and modified according to the healing progress.

Chronic Tendinitis

• Chronic tendinitis commonly arises when the initial injury’s severity is underestimated, and the treatment provided is inadequate.
• The treatment includes similar principles as with acute tendinitis but starts from the second phase.
• In selected cases, procedures such as tendon splitting and other surgical methods have been used to improve the prognosis.