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  Discussion on Lameness after neurectomy?
Author Message
Member:
Buddil

Posted on Monday, Jun 30, 2003 - 6:34 pm:

I guess this is a question for all of the horse owners that have had their horses nerved-did they look lame when they were first turned loose after their hand walking for several weeks layup? He looks sound when walking but looks lame when he tried to trot. I am assuming that this is due to the different sensation (or lack of) in his heels. He seemed quite bothered about his feet, almost scared. I am hoping that this is normal and he just has to get used to the different feeling and vibrations. He was put out in a small sand arena for a much needed roll. Any comments would be gratefull, I am just a little nervous about this! Thanks, Cathy
Member:
Shirl

Posted on Monday, Jun 30, 2003 - 6:46 pm:

Cathy, Did your horse have a partial or full neurectomy? My horse had the partial, so still had feeling in the toe, and was not lame after at all, until she broke loose once feeling foxy and galloped, which at that point was a no-no. Vet thought it may have began a neuroma, or caused an infected tendon sheath. Treated with both E.& W. meds and was fine within a week. Check with the surgeon if he continues to walk strangly, and keep me posted. It's a long drawn out, stressful ordeal, but worth it when they are free of pain.
My best, Shirl
Member:
Buddil

Posted on Monday, Jun 30, 2003 - 7:11 pm:

Hi Shirley, he had a heel only neurectomy, just took the branches for the heel out. He walks just beautifully, lands heel first, big shoulder movement, no lameness whatsoever at the walk. I am just wondering if this is his way of showing that he feels "different". He has been blistered for his stifle catching so the vet thought since he is so quiet in the grass pasture that a few hours a day would help the stifles from catching again. I would imagine that this feels very different for him, like when our foot falls asleep before the tingling sensation. He may just have to get used to the difference. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Thanks so much for your quick response!, Cathy
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 1, 2003 - 8:03 am:

Hello Cathy,
No lameness at the trot is not normal following neurectomy. The question that needs to be answered is where is it coming from?
DrO
Member:
Buddil

Posted on Thursday, Jul 10, 2003 - 4:06 pm:

Hi, just an update regarding my gelding. He has spent a week in the pasture daily and each day he seemed to progress with his new feeling in his front feet. Each day the lameness was less and less apparent and today he was galloping and trotting with no head bob at all. When I had wrapped his legs after the surgery I did not use enough cotton and "corded" the tendons. The swelling went down the leg and swelled around the stitches for a few days. When the stitches had come out the swelling had at that time gone down almost to nothing so the vet suggested that I put him out to pasture since he only wanted to walk, but he must have still been sore due to that. But he looks wonderful now and I will be able to ride him next week. Keep my fingers and toes crossed that all will go smoothly.

Cathy
Member:
Shirl

Posted on Thursday, Jul 10, 2003 - 4:20 pm:

Cathy, Happy all is going well, lets pray it stays that way! Keep in touch.

Shirl
Member:
Buddil

Posted on Saturday, Jul 26, 2003 - 5:37 am:

Hi, just an update on my gelding, he has been back to work for almost 2 weeks now and is doing beautifully. He starts out a little stiff in front but once he stretches out and starts to shift the weight back he is great. The head bobbing has never happened yet so I am assuming the neurectomy has been a success so far. Thanks for you concerns, nice to have him sound after 2 years of not! Cathy
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