Plastic deformation may no longer return to the original shape. If the tendon is overloaded, and thus the ligaments are torn, the elastic properties are surpassed, producing a bow that is likely obvious. The horse requires 6-months rest for the tendons to heal. Treatment such as ice should be applied IMMEDIATELY, if not sooner !.

The reason that minor tendonitis injury is not recognized is that the horse can show very little to no clinical signs. Damage is shown by thermal infrared (IR) photographs, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of the tendon and its disrupted fibers. Repeated cumulative tendon damage may eventually cause a bow.