2.3. Animals and Inclusion Criteria
DISEASE
Horses aged between 3 and 25 years and presenting with naturally occurring tendon disease were recruited. To be included, the injury had to be located within the metacarpal region of one of the forelimb superficial digital flexor tendons, and the onset of symptoms had to date back no more than 2 months prior to initial presentation. Previous systemic treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and local treatments with bandages and ointments were tolerated, whereas horses that had already received any intralesional or other than the mentioned treatments were excluded. Moreover, the owners had to agree to follow a standardized rehabilitation training schedule and to present their horses for regular follow-up examinations for at least 12 months, with an optional final examination 18 months after treatment. Fifteen horses were initially included, one of which had to be excluded later and was replaced due to significant non-compliance with the rehabilitation training schedule. Seven horses per treatment group completed the study until the primary endpoint 12 months after treatment and were included in data analyses (