Tight tendon sheath?

[173north]

Going to see a 6 y/o this weekend with a tight rear tendon sheath. Seller says it’s manageable with steroid injections every 6 to 12 months, or there’s a surgery to resolve the issue. They don’t think she’ll hold up to a AA circuit H/J barn schedule, but a slightly lighter workload will be fine. The sale video I saw was made before the issue was discovered and the injection done and the pony is very, very slightly short / choppy behind. I don’t have the best eye for hind end lameness but I probably wouldn’t have caught it if I wasn’t looking for it.

My trainer says she’s seen enough pricey horses with this issue disclosed that she wouldn’t write the horse off. Pony is a cute 13.3h / 14h, so not a real division prospect, and would either hang out with me with a pretty chill schedule of hacking, trails and popping some jumps, or be sold on to a lower-level home. Would love to hear any personal experiences with this as I haven’t encountered it before!

[No1]

I’m not sure what you mean by a ‘tight’ tendon sheath? If you mean it’s enlarged, that is often a sign that something is going on with the tendon.

If the pony had been lame before and the owner told me they stuck steroids along its tendon to make it sound, I wouldn’t even go look at it.

[Gardenhorse]

I have also never heard of a tight tendon sheath. But I would worry about a 6 year old that already needs steroid injections anywhere.

[GraceLikeRain]

Can they share a vet report? I’ve too never heard of a “tight tendon sheath”. An over sized medium/bottom of the rung large that needs injections and is predicted not to hold Up to heavy work doesn’t sound really promising. What’s pulling you to him?

[Laurierace]

Echoing others to say that a “tight tendon sheath” is not a diagnosis so you need to find out what is actually wrong with the pony in order to make a decision. Generally speaking however I would hard pass on any chronic tendon issue.

[joiedevie99]

I will third the “that’s not a thing.” Is it scar tissue from an old injury that healed poorly? Or a chronic issue that they’re just covering up? Have them send their ultrasound images to your vet.

[Brown_Derby]

If you can afford to keep him, and keep him maintained, fine. What does concern me is the idea of later moving him on to a lower-level home. That home is often unlikely or unable to afford adequate pharm and farrier maintenance and needs to be vetted thoroughly. If you can keep him, great. Always nice to have a pony around.

[173north]

Thanks, all! I’m having the ultrasound sent over for my vet to look at to get some clarity. Glad to know I am not alone in being a little perplexed by what a “tight tendon sheath” is.

[Amy3996]

6yo with a tendon issue of some kind that’s been “managed” with steroid injections?

Run - don’t walk - away from this pony.

[173north]

Yeah, after digesting this thread and talking again to my trainer I cancelled the appointment. Thank you all for the clarity!

[candyappy]

@173north

Yeah, after digesting this thread and talking again to my trainer I cancelled the appointment. Thank you all for the clarity!

Good to hear. You will ( hopefully) find a nice, sound horse if you are patient .