Vet-first injury guide

Soft Tissue Injuries in Horses

Soft tissue injuries are not something to guess through. Heat, swelling, pain, lameness, and sudden performance changes need careful evaluation and a controlled plan.

Quick answer: If you suspect a tendon, ligament, or muscle injury, stop work, protect the horse from making it worse, and involve your veterinarian. Topicals can only fit as supportive routine care after the real problem is understood.

Call your veterinarian for

• Lameness, severe pain, sudden swelling, heat, or a one-sided change.
• Suspensory, tendon, stifle, hock, back, or hoof-pain concerns.
• Any injury that changes how the horse stands, turns, bears weight, or travels.

What riders can check

• Compare sides: heat, fill, swelling, tenderness, and symmetry.
• Watch movement: walk straight, turn, back, and note changes without overtesting.
• Check context: footing, workload, shoeing cycle, recent haul, turnout, and tack fit.
• Document: photos, notes, temperature if needed, and what changed.

Where Draw It Out® fits

Draw It Out® products can fit routine external support when the horse has been assessed, the area is appropriate for topical use, and you are following current labels. They do not replace imaging, diagnosis, rest, rehab, farrier care, or veterinary treatment.

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