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Please Reply to: Bruce Weary D.C. bweary@xxxxxxxxxxxx or ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Hi Patty--
 Thought I'd offer a quick and dirty anatomy review regarding
your question about the tendon sheath. Muscles basically consist
of two parts--the belly, which is the red meaty part of the muscle that causes 
contraction, and the tendons--which are the tough, fibrous ends of the muscle 
that attach it to the bone. The tendons
reside in the sheath (not unlike a knife inserts into a sheath) which, among 
other things, protects the tendon, and keeps it bathed
in fluid. As we age these often produce less fluid and can cause the
tendon to dry out, become weak, and possibly rupture. Common examples in people 
are spontaneous ruptures of the Achilles' tendon
or the rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder.
Since your horse's injury is over a year old, if there is no heat
or swelling, your vet is probably right that the remaining lesion is scar 
tissue or a buckling of the sheath as it healed. No big deal. I would walk her 
in hand, then pony her for increasing distances, and if she shows no need for 
post-exercise therapy (swelling, heat, tenderness, lameness) she can probably 
be conditioned up safely. Regardless of my comments above, a tendon rupture is 
very unlikely. If problems arise, they will probably do so
gradually rather than suddenly, giving you time to react by backing off, 
resting or treating appropriately. Good luck.
 Bruce Weary, D.C. often wrong, but never in doubt


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