What is an "expanded superficial flexor tendon"?

[honeydoozy]

I'm horse shopping, and in a dialogue with a seller, she mentioned that "his superficial flexor tendon expanded and will not contract back 100%" as a result of a bad trim and subsequent turnout.

The vet came out and told her it was a cosmetic flaw, really, and shouldn't affect soundness.

I'm not a vet (nor do I play one on TV ), but I'm wondering - what does that mean?? IS it just a cosmetic thing... and would you consider a horse with such a problem? (I have my own guess as to what it means, but I'm interested to see what folks here have to say)

My budget is low, so I expect to have to accept some level of "issue" where soundness might be concerned - but he's not old (5 yrs), so I'm wondering if this is the kind of problem that is acceptable, if all other requirements were met.

What would you do?

[madvoice]

Sometimes there is a build up of scar tissue around the tendon sheath that will never resolve. The superficial flexor tendon is one of the 'better' ones to have damaged but it still performs a function. If any horse had noticible scar tissue on any tendon injury it would make me leary.



I would still be cautious of using this horse for anything more than dressage. I would get a second opinion from a different vet.

[RickB.]

in a dialogue with a seller, she mentioned that "his superficial flexor tendon expanded and will not contract back 100%" as a result of a bad trim and subsequent turnout.

Sounds like what we in at my end of the sandpile might call a 'Bowed Tendon".

The vet came out and told her it was a cosmetic flaw, really, and shouldn't affect soundness.

Get him to put it in writing and then have your own vet do a PPE.

My budget is low, so I expect to have to accept some level of "issue" where soundness might be concerned - but he's not old (5 yrs), so I'm wondering if this is the kind of problem that is acceptable, if all other requirements were met.

Tight finances mean you have to be even more particular in choosing a horse. There are many out there that don't have unsoundness(or potential unsoundness) issues. Remember, its not what you pay for the horse that is going to cost you money.

What would you do?

I'd get a PPE done by my own vet.

[honeydoozy]

Sounds like what we in at my end of the sandpile might call a 'Bowed Tendon".

Well, that's pretty much what I was thinking - and I promised myself that I wouldn't ever consider a horse with a bowed tendon for the simple reason that I might want to seriously consider jumping again, even at the lowest levels.

Thanks both of you for the information - it is the voice of reason I was really needing today!

[madvoice]

That's ok. The horse might be the right price now but you can often triple that price with vet bills 12 months down the track. I really do hope you find what you're looking for.

[cassidy]

as madvoice pointed out id be cautious any leg injurys are serious or can become serious

especially when it comes to tendonds ect