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Discussion on The Saga Continues: Recovery from Superficial Flexor Tendon Tear
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Monday, Mar 31, 2008 - 6:34 pm:
The old thread was getting a little long, so I thought I'd start a continuation.
We're midway through the first month of Lacoste trotting.
We started week 1 with 5 minutes of trot (actually, we trot the long sides of the arena, walk the corners and short sides) after 30 minutes of walk. The first pass was pretty ugly, but each pass improved and he got better each day. By the end of the week, there were actual moments of what felt like soundness.
Week 2, I added 5 more minutes of the trot routine. He was less than enthusiastic about the additional time and got a tad resistant, but came to the party in short order. He continued to feel NQR, but not obviously off on the injured leg.
Week 3, I added 5 more minutes for a total of 15 minutes of the trot routine. The first 3 days, he actually felt pretty darn good. The 4th day, he was quite sore, so I backed off and did some more walk in between the trot sessions.
We're halfway through week 4, and I'm keeping him at 15 minutes of the trot routine. Yesterday, he felt pretty good. He takes a big passage step when I ask him to trot off and is willing to go forward so I'm encouraged.
I communicated this with my vet and while he's very impressed with the progress Lacoste has made to date, we're going to stay at 10-15 minutes of trot for awhile. The horse isn't getting worse, but he's not getting significantly better either. I asked about doing another MRI, but the vets (both the follow-up and the original surgeon) think it's premature at this point. For those joining the story late; his lesion never has been visible on ultrasound.
On the up side, since he's been trotting no further attempts have been made on my life and I am currently 26 days injury free!
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Monday, Mar 31, 2008 - 7:08 pm:
i am impressed Chris.. something that has stuck in my head when i had my filly ultrasounded MONTHS back and it was ok'd to start her with in hand trot work .. She said.. don't be discouraged if she is sore now and again.. we expect her to be with the strength training...
So hang in there..
THIS is the hardest thing i have ever done rehabbing a sever tendon injury..
REHABSUCKS...
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Monday, Mar 31, 2008 - 9:24 pm:
Ann, I am so relieved to hear you say you were told to expect soreness now and again. Libby has been very sore after her last turnout and I've been very worried about her. I worry about her so much. She just had new shoes and pads put on and I'm hoping some of the soreness is from that, or that she just overdid some. There is no heat anywhere. I've rubbed with Sore-No-More and put support wraps on her and gave her bute.
Do you still have to bute Danni at times?
Opps. Sorry Chris, guess I should have posted this on Ann's discussion or Libby's. I just really perk up when it's a discussion about tendons. I totally agree with Ann. Libby's injury and rehab have been, I think, the most difficult thing I've faced with a horse. There are so many ups and downs. It's an emotional see-saw.
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 1, 2008 - 9:41 am:
Not a problem Sara; we're all in this together.
I just love Sore-No-More, great stuff.
It's amazing how some folks just don't get that this is physical therapy and think that if he takes a single bad step his recovery is compromised. Granted, it's a delicate balancing act but Ann has it right about strength training.
This is definitely the hardest thing I've had to do with horses. OOOOOOOMMMMMMM!!!
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 12, 2008 - 5:08 pm:
Up to 20 minutes of trot a day. Yippee!!
We stayed at 15 minutes for an extra week (or maybe 2) and by the end of that, he was trotting very soundly. One day I got a little greedy and actually asked him to lengthen for a couple of steps; it was great to feel that feeling from long ago.
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 12, 2008 - 5:45 pm:
Chris that is wonderful news. It is great to feel the long ago soundness. Don't get too greedy .
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 13, 2008 - 10:41 am:
Very good Chris,
you are right in the old days where we enforced rest for a long time our outcomes were much worse on the reinjury time, but do follow the recommendations, they are largely the results of a hundred years of trial and error.
DrO
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 13, 2008 - 7:33 pm:
Chris, I haven't chimed in before now, but wish you the best of luck and a continued sound horse. Is he behaving a bit better now that he's getting more work?
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Monday, Apr 14, 2008 - 10:12 am:
Dr. O: Rest assured, I'm following the recommendations, tempted though I may be. I have far too much invested in this. If he does not fully recover, it's not going to be because of something I did or did not do. We've been pretty conservative so far as his original rehab schedule would have had some small time at canter by now.
Fran: I have my sweet horse back and am 39 days injury free. He appears to be enjoying the time doing something other than handwalking. I also moved him into a pipe corral so he's not as bored as he was in the box stall. Overall, he's a much happier boy than when this all started.
Thanks all for the good thoughts.
Chris
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Monday, Apr 28, 2008 - 2:14 pm:
Just talked to the vet. Since Lacoste is doing so well, we're cleared to start working him as if starting a young horse with the exception of no turnout or lunging.
He's currently doing 20 minutes a day trot on the straight, so our next step will be to start some lateral work at the walk and start trotting around the corners. I confessed that I did trot him around the corners of the dressage court yesterday while stretching him down. At first he was surprised that we didn't slow to walk around the short ends but he stayed balanced and felt good.
If all goes well, I'll start some canter on the straight for a couple of weeks and build up the same way we did for the trot.
Can you say "thrilled"? I knew you could!!
Chris
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Monday, Apr 28, 2008 - 2:52 pm:
WAHOO!~
Chris I have a few questions re your rehab.. Danni was trotted on a eurocisor that is about a 25 meter circle .. and I know when if we are riding you are to only do straight lines.. But I wonder if they can trot on the 'mill' one huge circle why not a 25 meter circle in the ring? The things I ponder ..
My barn vet said with Danni we can throw in some lateral work now at the walk.. not a lot mind you but it would be good for her to start stretching there some.. We are 1.5 years post injury , I can't remember how long for you... and our injury is DDFT and your SF... so that might be another reason for difference.. ???
NO turn out still .. ? hum I am going to stay my course too and let Danni only have her 14X 30 paddock out with the others.. I feel bad for her while they are on lush grass but .. well she made her stall now she has to lie in it..
We need pictures please... they are a 1,000 words..
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 29, 2008 - 10:13 am:
Hi Ann,
I think that the restriction to riding on the straight only probably has something to do with the extra chore of being balanced carrying a rider. I know I'm not always helpful in that regard.
We're closing in on the 6 month mark from his surgery last November. His recovery has been simply remarkable.
Still no turn out. He's a big boy, 17.2, and can really get going so I'm ok with keeping him confined. Luckily, he's also pretty lazy now that he's back in work. Maybe if I cough up the money for a recheck MRI in a couple more months, I'll have the confidence/nerve/whatever to turn him out, but I'm just too worried about reinjury. As long as he's happy in his new, bigger, outdoor digs I probably won't turn him out until he's retired.
Let the folks who think we're wrong to not turn them out walk a mile, or 6 months or 1.5 years in our shoes.
With my work schedule, I'm usually the only one riding in the evenings so it's hard to get pictures. Not to mention that fact that we're both fat and out of shape!! He pretty much just looks like a horse trotting, remember I don't record the ugly stuff for posterity 
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 29, 2008 - 10:28 am:
ahh balance in the corners, that does make since.. I wonder tho, if horse and rider are nicely balanced if continuing trot thru the corners a threat?
My mare is 17'2-3 hhs as well.. and she is the ''sassy pants'' So, like you she will always have a controlled turn out/ smallish .. We are taking down the round pen this weekend and will make it 1/2 the size in the middle of a pasture then rotate it so she will get the grass too.. What we won't do for these horses..
So as I recall your horses injury is in the hoof thus the MRI? .. We deserve that wine toast / BOTTLE and maybe some day we will meet up..
Still pictures of your horse would be nice?
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 29, 2008 - 11:22 am:
It was a 50% tear of the SDF, near the fetlock. There was/is calcification in the tendon sheath effectively blocking view of the tear so the injury never showed up in the numerous ultrasounds that the insurance company generously paid for. That's why it took almost 1 month to diagnose the problem, MRI was the last resort.
Even after the MRI and surgery at Alamo Pintado, they did an ultrasound and pronounced that the the injury was "very difficult to see".
I ponied up for one recheck ultrasound at San Luis Rey and even with the MRI images to guide us, the injury was not visible hence the repeated clinical exams.
I wouldn't press my luck trotting through the corners prematurely. I know that I did trot around the corners 1 day before I had the vet's OK, but my horse has been working very nicely on the straight for weeks. There's no way I would have done it earlier. You'll know when Danni's ready.
Bottle? Girl, we deserve a full cheese course with several bottles and dark chocolate!!
I'm sure we'll meet eventually. I've already got the reorder form for World Cup 2008.
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 29, 2008 - 11:22 am:
Make that World Cup 2009!
I got excited thinking about the cheese, wine and chocolate!
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Thursday, May 1, 2008 - 9:58 am:
Trotting nicely and balanced around the corners. Last night he felt like he was getting a little "big" and I thought he might be getting ready to explode. Turns out that he was just adding some suspension to the trot!!
What a feeling!
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Thursday, May 1, 2008 - 10:41 am:
LOVE that feeling.. Chris , have you had any times when you felt that you might be pushing it? Once when Danni was at the rehab i noticed she was NQR so we backed her down a couple of weeks and she was fine.. and well Yesterday  I noticed she was not putting weight equal on both hind legs most of the day.. / noticed in the cross ties then under saddle.. So i buted / iced her and called it a day..
The UPS and DOWNS of this REHABSUCKS...
but am very glad you got to feel the trampoline trot.. !~ WAHOO..
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Thursday, May 1, 2008 - 12:13 pm:
Definitely have had those times and like you, have immediately backed down.
The first thing I look at when I get to the barn is whether he's standing on the "bad" leg or not. I check it in the cross ties, about 50 times while I'm grooming and tacking up. I check it while I hand graze him, I check it when I put him back in his pen, I check it while I'm driving away. Also, I alway rub him down with Sore-No-More after every workout and will use Surpass and wrap him after increasing the time at work or anytime that he's seemed to have regressed. No obsessive compulsive behavior here
It seems like he's consistent about standing on it while he's eating. Also, once I put the saddle on him and do his polo wraps. He typically is resting it after workouts in the cross ties, but once he's back in his pen and eating, he stands on it.
Last night, after I figured out he wasn't trying to kill me (old fears die hard), I relaxed some but didn't let him continue on "that" forward. I figure 20 meters in 4-5 strides is plenty, 3 to 3.5 is right out for now.
Luckily, our jump ring is right next to the dressage court so I have some measure of how much ground he's covering.
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Friday, May 9, 2008 - 9:59 am:
Well, a bit of a wet blanket on my party. After I asked a friend to video-tape me riding, I can see that Lacoste is still somewhat short strided on his "bad" leg. It's not god-awful, and there's no heat or additional swelling, but it's enough to likely keep him out of a dressage show at anything but the lower levels if that.
I talked to the vet and he thinks that we're probably at the point that he's as good as he's going to get. We suspect that this may be a mechanical artifact and that there are adhesions that are physically preventing a bigger stride on that side. So, as long as he's comfortable and willing to go forward, we're going to continue along with the rehab protocol.
There's still a lot of riding to be done with this horse, and a lot he can teach me while I save money for a competition horse. In the meantime, I just started the Jane Savoie Happy Horse Training program so I'll be busy for awhile.
OOOOOMMMMMM!!!
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Friday, May 9, 2008 - 10:21 am:
bummer.. can you post your video or a part of it on UTube?
I agree there is a lot to be learned on our back yard mounts.. My gelding that won't hold up for a show.. is such a pleasure to ride here.. when i get frustrated with the others.. i pull him out and smile all the way.. AND i am now teaching young kids how to ride correctly.. or he is..
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Friday, May 9, 2008 - 10:57 am:
Sure, I'll look into it this weekend.
This horse is trained to PSG. I can at the very least learn to ride the movements on him. He remains an excellent investment as a schoolmaster and frankly, he's gorgeous with a great mind. I'd have no problem putting my husband on him for a trail ride, although Lacoste may not be too keen on a western saddle
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Member:
ekaufman
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Posted on Friday, May 9, 2008 - 3:29 pm:
Oh Chris,
Well not great news. Just wondering whether there's any chance at all that you're seeing a proprioceptive deficit that would respond to training? I know with major human injuries, we tend to end up crooked and gimpy, even when the structures heal properly. Sometimes focused PT can restore proper use. So I know this is something that is probably off the table, but if not, might be worth schooling him as if he needed to relearn the full use of the leg. Grasping at straws....
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Friday, May 9, 2008 - 3:57 pm:
Elizabeth,
You're not grasping at straws; you're just more accurately articulating what I meant when I said we were going to continue with the rehab protocol.
I've already started doing a little lateral work at the walk to get him to step under himself with that leg. Now that the vet has opined that "this is likely as good as it's going to get" I feel like I have a go ahead to push it a little further.
Of course I'll keep a close eye on him to make sure I don't completely break him again, but I have to try to see if it is as you suggest. Up to this point, I've not buted him however the vet suggested I might start to try to get him over the hump so to speak.
Thanks for thinking of us.
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Member:
mandrie
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Posted on Friday, May 9, 2008 - 4:36 pm:
Chris, can you let me know what you think of the Happy Horse program-I was considering it, but wouldn't mind a review before investing.
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Friday, May 9, 2008 - 5:42 pm:
Marie Anne,
I have a cousin Anne Marie. Anyway, the Happy Horse program is pretty pricey as I'm sure you know. I've only gone through 2 "lessons" and will start another thread on that topic when I can really evaluate it.
BTW: There is a long post on the Chronicles of the Horse forum on that same topic which is what nudged me in the direction of investing. Everyone that has posted there seems to love it. Jane Savoie posted to thank folks for their kind words.
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Friday, May 9, 2008 - 10:19 pm:
Ann,
I need to do more research before I can upload the video. I don't have a digital recorder, and apparently DVD video cannot be uploaded onto YouTube.
I need to figure out how to digitize the video onto the computer which will involve crawling around on the floor with a flashlight, which involves fighting off the dog who loves to chase flashlight light, to see if this computer has a direct video input since heavens forbid it be on the front of the machine like my old PC...
OOOOOMMMMMM!
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Thursday, May 15, 2008 - 10:00 pm:
First intentional canter yesterday. As mentioned above, I'm working through a home training course and have been going back to basics with Lacoste.
I have to say that it's really paid off. We only cantered 3 times, for about 3-5 strides on the long side. The first time, he was a little surprised, but stepped off anyway. The second time, he decided he didn't want to work that hard, kicked at my leg and tried to buck but I'm onto him these days . The third time, I really worked the half halt before asking for the canter and had a lovely depart followed by 3-5 really decent canter strides.
He seems to be a little less short on the "bad" leg, but I'll have to video him again (sorry Ann haven't figured out how to get the video on Youtube yet) to really know.
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Friday, May 16, 2008 - 12:40 am:
Bummer about the video , maybe a few pictures are in order?? I can't wait to get to canter... i know what you mean when you ask and they say huh? I asked Danni to trot the other day.. she was confused i have kept her from trotting for over a year and a half.. ''and you really want me to trot''?
hang in there.. its all about getting them stronger..
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Sunday, Jun 1, 2008 - 2:28 pm:
Ann inspired me to post an update.
We're up to about 5 minutes of canter. I've been working on getting Lacoste more in front of my leg and it's helped a great deal. Also, I'm making a conscious effort to always ride him straight so we're back in the dressage court with the mirrors.
He continues to improve, although he can't do much of a lengthening without losing his rhythm so we not pushing that right now. After a month or so working straight and doing some canter I'll check his lengthenings again.
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Sunday, Jun 1, 2008 - 7:31 pm:
Chris sure wish you could show us some video's.. There is a fine line on how much to ask of our rehab horses.. I figured that trainer and I were balanced enough that Danni could trot the short sides of the court,* heck I see her do canter pirouette in her paddock * we make sure she is using her hindend and not dragging it out behind and tripping herself .. Also finding the right speed / tempo to trot at.. a jog , she was loading to long on that tendon leg, a medium trot was asking to much from her at this point all tho we do throw in a long side once a week to test..lengthening trot not till next year ! we settled on a working trot she was more comfortable and able to carry herself and rider comfortably..
May I say the lengthening will come no need to ask or push for it... our horses need a ton of conditioning and strengthen yet .. I can't wait to talk about Canter!~
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Monday, Jun 2, 2008 - 10:43 am:
Hi Ann,
I just can't justify buying a new recorder when the one I have works just fine.
I'm not pushing for the lengthenings; although yesterday at the canter he certainly was willing to go! Trot continues to be the harder gait for him. He easily covering 20 meters (between the letters) in 4 strides, so I'm not worried.
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 7, 2008 - 1:19 am:
Well, the bubble has burst.
After 2 weeks of gradually increasing canter, Lacoste came up 3-legged lame earlier this week.
We had a recheck MRI today and he's re-torn his tendon :-(
It looks like there is so much mineralization in his tendon sheath that every time the tendon starts to heal, he develops an adhesion which is torn when he flexes his leg. Apparently, the canter was just too much for him. Even with this tear, it looks like his tendon is pretty much stuck in the tendon sheath.
So, we've given it our best go and now he is officially retired. We're back to the very beginning of the rehab protocol; hand walking. Once he gets more comfortable, I'll make the decision of whether to keep him at our current stable or find a retirement farm for him.
Thanks to everyone for your encouragement thoroughout this saga. No regrets on my side.
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Member:
paardex
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 7, 2008 - 3:09 am:
Oh Chris I am so very sorry you worked so hard on this.
Wish I could have him retired and you could have Bartock to ride..I just am not dedicated enough to take full advantage and you are. What a bummer to be so far away..
Hope Lacoste isn't in to much pain and/or annoyance of his renewed 'only handwalking'
Jos
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 7, 2008 - 8:53 am:
Chris this is not the news i wanted to see when i opened your thread.. I am deeply sorry.. You did all that you could and some .. I love your last works.. ""No regrets on my side."" Lacoste has a true friend in you.. Becareful once again in your rehab.. I have a feeling that with retirement in his future now that this rehab will be easier..
* refresh my memory where was / is the tear?
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 7, 2008 - 9:38 am:
Chris, so sorry to hear about the outcome. Hope you find a good retirement home for him. Lilo
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 7, 2008 - 9:51 am:
I'm very sorry, Chris. The outcome is disappointing. You've clearly worked very hard to give him the best chance for a positive outcome. It's a shame it didn't work out that way.
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Member:
ekaufman
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 7, 2008 - 3:15 pm:
Very sorry to hear it Chris. You certainly gave him every opportunity to come back from a severe injury. It is really bad luck that his tendon just could not make the trip.
Thank you for sharing all of this with us-- I have learned a lot from your rehab. story.
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Member:
frances
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 7, 2008 - 3:39 pm:
Oh no, Chris. This is such a shame, and I'm truly sorry to hear it. You've worked so hard with him. Your philosophical reaction is to be admired.
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 7, 2008 - 4:57 pm:
Darn Chris, you had done a wonderful job with Lacoste, we were all hoping for a good outcome.
Thanks for sharing your story, I'm sure it will help many down the road.
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Member:
sunny66
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Posted on Sunday, Jun 8, 2008 - 11:08 am:
I'm sorry Chris, as LL, I too admire your approach. I did follow your journey and hoped for the very best for your beautiful boy. You gave him everything and tried your best. I can only imagine the feelings you're having. So very sorry, Chris.
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Member:
kbr1
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 25, 2008 - 9:22 am:
I know I am posting late on this link but I just stumbled on it. I also have a horse that suffered a bad tendon injury, it has been about 16 months now and she still bobs on the trot. She had been doing a better and was on turn out about 4 hours a day. But she was having problems with getting shod (she had set back shoes) - I believe her problem was behavioral, but her feet were somewhat uneven and she reinjured herself, not as badly. She ended up getting some shots in the site, stall rest, hand turn out. It's been about a month and she is now getting 1 hour turnout on small pasture. She is fine walking but still bobbing on the trot. I am so worn out. I just want her to be better. I don't know when I should call it quits.
So my point is, I am so sorry Chris, I know first hand how much time and effort (and money) you put into your rehab. I wish you the best!
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 25, 2008 - 9:57 am:
Thanks Kathie,
I've become very zen-like after this entire process. I know I did everything I could and have learned a great deal from this entire experience. Fortunately, I can afford to keep this horse and even my husband referred to him as his "down the trail horse" last night. He'll probably never climb up on the 17.2 fellow, but knew it would make me smile for him to say it. Gotta love that man.
Now the search is on for a brother for Lacoste. Last night I was watching Lacoste's sale video, or as my nephew calls it, Lacoste's highlights video. Bitter sweet, but a good reminder of what I'm looking for in a horse.
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Member:
kbr1
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 25, 2008 - 1:39 pm:
Chris,
Lacoste is lucky to have you. I am okay with turning my horse into a lawn ornament (she is only 8) I just want her to get to a point where she can go out during the day and be comfortable.
My husband has suggested we take out to the country in middle of the night and let her find a new home, we live in the boonies so I think he is kidding. She is such a sweet horse I am still holding out.
Best of luck in your search!!
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 26, 2009 - 3:40 pm:
Ann had asked for an update on this thread so here goes.
I gave Lacoste from June of 2008 to Jan 2009 time to just walk under saddle. Occasionally he would want to take a couple of trot steps, and felt pretty good so I started back with 5 minutes of trot, on the straight only, in January. In March, I increased it to 10 minutes of trot, only on the straight, and so far so good. Two trainers have watched him go and both believe that he is pretty darn even behind. The biggest difference in procedure this time around is that I pulled his hind shoes so maybe the entire leg is getting more blood flow, but who knows. His feet look like crap, but c'est la guerre.
Anyway, if things continue as they've been going, I might think about cantering in the summer. He is getting turned out about once a week and while he gets a little "Western" he hasn't reinjured himself and his mental health is good.
The search continues for another horse. I had two essentially bought out from under me and then neither passed the vet check so dodged a couple of bullets there. I found a nice 4 year old Hannoverian gelding about a month ago and vetted him but he didn't pass. The right one is out there somewhere and frankly the economy is on my side.
In the meantime, Lacoste does fantastic carrot stretches and had learned how to "say" yes and no. He's highly food motivated so is pretty easy to teach tricks.
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 26, 2009 - 3:42 pm:
Just to be clear; I have no expectations of Lacoste returning to full soundness and intend to do just enough to keep him moving.
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 26, 2009 - 5:59 pm:
Chris , thanks for the update... you have done and are still doing what it takes to make him comfortable.. heck you can still ride some of the upper level movements at the walk to program your body .. .. 1/2 pass i tilt my head, so i practice at the walk so I CAN control MY own head.. hehehee.. There is much to learn on a schooled horse even at the walk..
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 26, 2009 - 7:20 pm:
Yes chris Thanks, Lacoste's injury sounds similar to Flash's except yours was a hind leg. I can't believe the difference in that leg day to day. Sometimes the swelling is way down with no heat and the next day it is swollen with more heat....did you find that with your horses injury? The less swollen days are getting more numerous at this point. Is Lacoste "sound" for pasture turnout? You sure gave it your all. I read both your threads, it is a devastating injury.
Thanks for any insight you can give me!
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Friday, Mar 27, 2009 - 10:22 am:
Diane,
I'm not sure how much similarity we can draw between Flash's case and that of Lacoste. Lacoste was coming 14 when injured and was pretty much in top physical condition. It's absolutely disgusting, in a good way, how good he looks after 18 months off when I've gained 20 pounds!!
I didn't see much variability in the swelling of his leg probably because I kept it wrapped for over 2 weeks. Then, I did the Game Ready boots treatment for another 2 weeks. It was a very aggressive campaign against inflammation and worked really well.
I probably won't turn Lacoste out in anything bigger than a 60 foot round pen ever again. Pretty conservative I know, but that's just how I am.
The only other thing I can think of that you might want to try is adding a supplement geared towards tendon repair to Flash's diet. Smart Pak has a couple as does Platinum. I don't know if they really work, but one vet recommended them to me and I figured if they weren't going to hurt it was worth a try.
Good Luck with Flash
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Friday, Mar 27, 2009 - 10:37 am:
Chris I will agree, once someone has gone the extra mile to rehab a horse from such a injury, it pays to be very careful from here on out.. I won't let Danni have a full pasture either.. We have sectioned out a area next to the other horses that she will be able to go out in to graze, but not given enough room for her to get up a good gallop either..
Also i had no changes in heat or swelling in the beginning.. I kept her wrapped and iced daily ... when the time came i slowly weaned her off the wraps ..
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Friday, Mar 27, 2009 - 2:21 pm:
"extra mile"???
What are you talking about girlfriend? We've both gone an extra 1000 miles easy!
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 28, 2009 - 6:24 am:
I certainly can understand the turnout paranoia you guys have. We live on nothing but hills. I have been trying to figure out where to put Flash if she manages to heal. I don't think Hubby will like it, but I think part of our flat back yard is going to become her pasture .
Thanks again for sharing your stories Chris and Ann.
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