|
|
Discussion on What's an acceptable permanent limp?
|
| Author |
Message |
Member:
Cpacer
|
Posted on Monday, Apr 18, 2005 - 11:02 am:
After 3-months of stall rest and weekly vet visits to monitor porgress, my horse is still not 100% after a soft tissue injury to the fetlock area. During the 3-months we tried acupuncture, sweating, hyaluronic acid, and a joint supplement. Xrays showed no fractures or arthritis, and limp is only apparent while trotting in cirlces to the right (inside leg).
There were signs of improvement off and on and we started doing very light excercise based on weekly progress. Last weeks evaluation left the vet feeling like the issue should be resolved by now and it may just be permanent. There's never been any swelling, and since it only happens while trotting in circles could the old adage 'doctor, it hurts when I trot in circles---so don't trot in cirlces' apply?
My horse and I are trail people and don't much care for circles anyway, but I'd absolutely hate to ignore something that could be causing my friend pain. I've since let him back out in the pasture to be a normal horse and see if he can work through it.
What should I be doing? Should I have more tests done or look into shock wave therapy?
|
Member:
Sunny66
|
Posted on Monday, Apr 18, 2005 - 11:30 am:
Have you tried massage therapy?
|
Member:
Cpacer
|
Posted on Monday, Apr 18, 2005 - 12:35 pm:
Not on a regular basis. I've rubbed his legs and done some stretches but wasn't sure if I was doing it right so I got a book w/pictures, but haven't gone through it yet. I also tried TTouch but he gave me a dirty look (must be my technique).
You're right though, it's a good idea and I should at least add that to whatever other rehabilitation comes out of this (& probably not bad to do regularly anyway).
Are there professionals who do this and is it worth it to seek one? I know there's a chiroprator in our area but that's quite different.
|
Member:
Sunny66
|
Posted on Monday, Apr 18, 2005 - 12:50 pm:
I believe it is worth it to seek one out and yes there are professionals that do this...I'm not sure about your area though.
Maybe ask the chiro if he knows of anyone. Here in California, a lot of chiros and massage therapists work together.
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Tuesday, Apr 19, 2005 - 7:59 am:
cp I would be seeking a diagnosis so that your questions on treatment and prognosis could be better answered. It could be further rest will result in soundness and work at this time worsen the problem, we just don't know. Ask your veterinarian for a referral to an institution that can ratchet up the diagnostics. If this is not practical or does not fit your goals, bring the horse back slow watching for signs of worsening.
DrO
|
Member:
Christos
|
Posted on Tuesday, Apr 19, 2005 - 7:59 am:
CP, it's just that trotting circles accentuate lameness so it becomes more evident to our eye, it does not mean that the horse is not uncomfortable trotting or walking straight.
I wouldn't work a horse under conditions that render it lame unless such work is specifically prescribed by a vet.
I wouldn't trust him to work it out himself either, horses can get carried away and damage a healing injury.
What does your vet suggest?
|
Member:
Cpacer
|
Posted on Tuesday, Apr 19, 2005 - 11:38 am:
Our vet suggested that shock wave therapy could possibly help, and more extensive x-rays from a specialized facility could better pinpoint what's wrong--but then what? Another option was to put him back in the pasture and start short walking rides while keeping a watchful eye. Since my horse isn't too calm in the trailer yet I thought the least stressful option may be the pasture one(he was about to get the trailer teaching right before he went lame).
I felt in a bit of a catch-22 with the stall rest--lack of circulation from no movement to over-excitement when he was out. I also think the stall rest and seclusion was seriously depressing him, or at least he was feeding off what I was feeling for him. Not to make this too long but until he came to me in Nov he had a very free life--no stall, no shelter, never ridden in an arena, never lunged, and never trailered until brought to me. Coming to a facility with around 50 horses and being worked with daily I'm sure has been quite a change for him. He was starting to get along pretty well with his pasture mates (a few scars later) when he became lame and was sentenced to stall life. I also wonder if new motions while training may have contributed to the lameness--probably not, but?
I don't really know what to do. I just want him to recover and not loose his heart in the process--how do you do that? I'm sure this is not a unique case but I do highly consider what the experts here on HA recommend.
Dr.O, do you ever make house calls to Waxhaw?
|
Member:
Paul303
|
Posted on Wednesday, Apr 20, 2005 - 12:55 am:
I would probably go right for the "extensive x-rays", myself. Actually, I did, on my five year old mare with head bobbing lameness on small circles to the right. Diagnosis: navicular synDrOm. This took place in 1985. Where we went from there, was, corrective shoeing done every 5 to 6 wks. along with periodic follow-ups and all the usual treatments. She'll be 25 on May 2. She's been a sweet, cheerful, always rideable mare. It's good to go as far as you are able, to pinpoint a diagnosis. If you're able to get a handle on what is wrong, THEN, you'll either take steps to fix it, or, if it can't be fixed, you take the proper steps to treat and manage it. You'll also learn what may aggravate it and what helps it.
Although the initial diagnosis may be costly in both time and money, it usually saves you time and money in the long run. Trying "this and that" can add up in $'s and your horse could be getting steadily worse in the meantime. Good luck!
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Wednesday, Apr 20, 2005 - 7:11 am:
I don't think shockwave is indicated without a diagnosis, after all what structure are you going to shock? The best way to get a horse well is to find out what is wrong cp. Thanks for the compliment but you would be best going to a referral institution that has tools that your regular vet does not.
DrO
|
Member:
Cpacer
|
Posted on Wednesday, Apr 20, 2005 - 1:37 pm:
I'm getting the gist of the advice here, seems to be a theme. I have a call into my vet for the referral.
Guess we have a quickie trailer lesson ahead of us. Should I do anything to the leg for the transport--wrap it or get one of those nifty velco braces?
|
Member:
Paul303
|
Posted on Thursday, Apr 21, 2005 - 1:29 am:
I guess I'd just use shipping boots. Good for you cp, pin that diagnosis down!
|
|
|
