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  Discussion on Filly with tight tendons, now very lame
Author Message
Member:
Contilli

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 23, 2004 - 9:48 am:

I have had foals with contracted tendons. I use a Certified Journeyman Farrier and a VERY experienced vet. First – what has worked for us is complete stall rest. Absolutely no excitement….. Then do NOT trim the heels of the foal or add toe extensions. This is everyone first instinct. This will cause more pain in the tendons as you have already seen. The tendons need time to stretch. My shoer (whom) specializes in DOD disorders says this is the only thing that will help. Also, in extreme situations a shoe with a wedge in the heel to release the pressure of the tendons. Do not bed the stall deep. Keep it shallow so the foal cannot stab her toes into the ground and stand on her tippies. In addition, of coure a regimine of Oxytetrocycline. One other thing I use is a product by Buckeye Feeds. It is a drench and full of Copper etc to promote equal growth of tendons and bone. It is specifically designed for this purpose. Large breeds usually have troubles like this. Their address is – https://www.buckeyenutrition.com and look for Foal Aide. If you cannot find it call them directly and they will mail it to you. I would not have foals with out it. My colt which was very contracted recovered and is now 17.1 at 2 years old and has the cleanest bones you have ever seen! X-rays to prove it. I live by the above and hope you find some relief with this information.

If she does have severe pain and is three legging it them you’d better consider a pain management medication. I had a filly at 12 days she hurt her shoulder. Probably on the stall door. She was as lame as your filly sounds. She stood, and ran on three legs. This caused her to use her other front let in a different way. She had to put it under the center of her body to balance her. Therefore causing that let to turn out badly. If we had reacted sooner with pain meds we could have limited the disfigurement of the weight bearing leg. Leesburg Hospital could not find anything in the x-rays nor nerve blocks. She was lame like this for over three weeks.

I hope all gets better for you. Keep your chin up.

Denise
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