The Deep Digital Flexor Tendon (DDFT) is one of the most important (and vulnerable) tendons in the lower limb. These injuries are notoriously difficult to manage, and many owners immediately wonder if their horse's career—or even daily soundness—is at risk. While the recovery process can be lengthy, understanding the nature of the DDFT and what rehabilitation requires can help you make informed decisions for your horse.
What is the DDFT and why is it so important?
The DDFT runs down the back of the horse's leg and attaches inside the hoof to the coffin bone. It plays a major role in flexing the limb and supporting every stride, whether your horse is jumping, galloping, or simply walking. Because of its location deep inside the hoof capsule, the DDFT is both critical to movement and difficult to evaluate or treat.
Why are DDFT injuries so serious?
The DDFT, like most tendons, has a limited blood supply, which slows healing. Adequate blood flow is essential for delivering nutrients and oxygen that aid in the healing process. Additionally, due to the location of function of the tendon, it is under constant strain, and early diagnosis is challenging.
By the time a lesion is identified, the injury may already be significant. Healing often takes months, not weeks, and the risk of reinjury is higher than with other tendons.
What to expect in rehabilitation
Recovery from a DDFT injury is long-term process. Most horses require:
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Strict rest in the early stages
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Controlled exercise programs, starting with hand walking and gradually increasing workload
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Regular imaging (ultrasound or MRI) to monitor healing
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Adjunct therapies such as shockwave, regenerative medicine (like PRP or stem cells), or supportive shoeing.
Even with excellent care, the DDFT can take 6-12 months to sufficiently heal, and some horses may need permanent adjustments to their workload.
Why nutrition matters for recovery
One of the biggest challenges with DDFT injuries is that tendons heal with scar tissue, which is weaker and less elastic than normal collagen fibers. Without proper nutrition, the body defaults to quick but poor-quality repair.
Targeted nutritional support can make a significant difference in recovery.
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Vitamin A (as retinol) is critical for collagen synthesis
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Vitamin E helps reduce oxidative stress and supports tissue repair
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MCT oil (from coconut) provides an easy delivery system and supports overall health
Tendonall was designed to provide these nutrients in high doses, giving the body the support it needs to rebuild strong, healthier tissue—supporting recovery and reducing the risk of long-term lameness.
Heal smart, come back stronger
A DDFT injury is not the end of your horse's athletic career, but it does require patience, careful management, and long-term support. With the right veterinary guidance, controlled exercise, and nutritional supplementation, many horses successfully return to work after this type of injury.
My Horse Was Diagnosed with a Deep Digital Flexor Tendon (DDFT) Injury — What Now?
The Deep Digital Flexor Tendon (DDFT) is one of the most important (and vulnerable) tendons in the lower limb. These injuries are notoriously difficult to manage, and many owners immediately wonder if their horse's career—or even daily soundness—is at risk. While the recovery process can be lengthy, understanding the nature of the DDFT and what rehabilitation requires can help you make informed decisions for your horse.
What is the DDFT and why is it so important?
The DDFT runs down the back of the horse's leg and attaches inside the hoof to the coffin bone. It plays a major role in flexing the limb and supporting every stride, whether your horse is jumping, galloping, or simply walking. Because of its location deep inside the hoof capsule, the DDFT is both critical to movement and difficult to evaluate or treat.
Why are DDFT injuries so serious?
The DDFT, like most tendons, has a limited blood supply, which slows healing. Adequate blood flow is essential for delivering nutrients and oxygen that aid in the healing process. Additionally, due to the location of function of the tendon, it is under constant strain, and early diagnosis is challenging.
By the time a lesion is identified, the injury may already be significant. Healing often takes months, not weeks, and the risk of reinjury is higher than with other tendons.
What to expect in rehabilitation
Recovery from a DDFT injury is long-term process. Most horses require:
Even with excellent care, the DDFT can take 6-12 months to sufficiently heal, and some horses may need permanent adjustments to their workload.
Why nutrition matters for recovery
One of the biggest challenges with DDFT injuries is that tendons heal with scar tissue, which is weaker and less elastic than normal collagen fibers. Without proper nutrition, the body defaults to quick but poor-quality repair.
Targeted nutritional support can make a significant difference in recovery.
Tendonall was designed to provide these nutrients in high doses, giving the body the support it needs to rebuild strong, healthier tissue—supporting recovery and reducing the risk of long-term lameness.
Heal smart, come back stronger
A DDFT injury is not the end of your horse's athletic career, but it does require patience, careful management, and long-term support. With the right veterinary guidance, controlled exercise, and nutritional supplementation, many horses successfully return to work after this type of injury.