>
> Basically you end up with a cosmetic problem, but unfortunately this acts
> as a "flag" to observers who may infer a "problem" where none exists. It
> is definitely worth the time & effort to improve the "look" of this area!
This is not entirely true as those "cross fibers" or scar tissue are
inherently weaker (do not have the same elasticity) than their vertically
aligned counterparts, and therefore much more prone to reinjury. Also,
depending on where the thickening is (e.g. if it is a "low bow" around
the fetlock joint) the thickening can interfere with the movement of the
tendon up and down during the course of the stride.
The key to successful recovery from a bowed tendon or pulled ligament is
to minimize the development of this scar tissue during the healing
process and get the tissues to align as they heal (this is what the
magnetic therapy is supposed to help with, along with the promotion of
circulation). The finger massage seems to work well for this too.
Old bows are not merely cosmetic problems, but causes for concern that
require long term management to ensure that the same area is not
reinjured. Though I do not consider such a horse disqualified from
endurance riding, it is no longer a horse that I would consider 100%
sound as it will affect the level of work and training that the horse can
maintain.
Additionally, (though this is a seperate issue) it is not just that the
tendon has been weakened, but that there may be some conformational
irregularity that made the horse prone to the injury in the first place,
and that confirmational irregularity probably still exists and makes that
point (even if it didn't have the weakness of the scar tissue) prone to
reinjury.
It is something to watch, not to worry about. This should act as a
"flag" to all observers, not as a problem, but as a potential problem.
kat
Orange County, Calif