Derived from seeds of the wild sweetpea plant, it prevents the cross-linking or binding together of collagen fibers during the tendon repair process. BAPN-f is injected following tendon injury and ultrasound is used to monitor the repair process. It is crucial that this drug be combined with a detailed rehabilitation process combining leg exercise, hand walking and progressively more intense exercise over a 10-month period. The schedule is set up on an individual basis and is largely determined by ultrasound evaluation of healing. Studies have yielded encouraging results, but it is an expensive, time-consuming program.
Prevention is the best medicine.
Insist on good trimming and shoeing. Proper nutrition produces a sound, healthy, balanced hoof. Adequate and appropriate conditioning prevents tendon injuries. Horses should first be conditioned with long slow-distance work. This conditions the cardiovascular system and also helps tone the tendons and ligaments.