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  Discussion on Extensor Tendon severed
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New Member:
cathypow

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 22, 2008 - 12:03 am:

We have a yearling that got himself caught in the fence wire, and cut his leg all the way to the bone. It severed his extensor tendon just below the knee on his left hind leg. The cut is about 3 to 4 inches long and is opened up. Our vet is wonderful. We brought him in the next day, and celulitus was already started. Our vet sedated the colt and said that he scrubbed very very well. Colt was very good and did not have to be put down. He told us that he didn't want to stitch the colt because of the infection. He stayed at the vet 4 days. His toe seemed to move fine at first, but 2 days later he started to walk on the top of his fetlock. Of course we got him back to the vet right away.
He came home 3 days later with a brace. As long as the brace is on he is fine. He puts normal weight on it. It has been 2 weeks, and the wound is still open. We change the bandage every other day with cotton wrapping, gauze, and vet wrap. Duck tape secures the brace. Every time we change the wrapping, we were told to rinse down really well with a hose. We put a nozel on it that has a shower type spray (he seems to enjoy that). It bleeds a lot after I take the bandage off, though. Is this normal for it to bleed 2 weeks into the heeling process.

I can't find any info on this. Our vet said this particular tendon grows back fairly quickly in younger colts. What is your feeling on this? FYI, he is on Tucaprin, and we are giving him bute (one click once a day). It is also good for you to know that he started getting his appetite back yesterday, and had started drinking a lot more today.
Thanks for your time! Any one with advice I am greatful. I am looking for good news. This is my daughter's fair colt, and she spent her own money on him. The fair is in October. What do you think? It is a halter class show.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 22, 2008 - 6:01 am:

Welcome Cathleen,
For information on taking care of the wound and what to be expecting as it heals check out Diseases of Horses » Skin Diseases, Wounds, and Swellings » Wounds / Burns » Long Term Deep Wound Care. As for the care of the transected extensor tendon and the prognosis, you will find a description in the article associated with this discussion Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Diseases of the Lower Limb » Tendon Lacerations. But the bottom line is I think it is likely you will make that show.
DrO
New Member:
cathypow

Posted on Sunday, Apr 27, 2008 - 10:40 pm:

Thank you! We did another bandage change today, and the wound it is actually looking a lot better. It looks like maybe the tendon is starting to grow back over the bone. There is no bone visable today. The sweeling is going down, but still "proud flesh". I think that it looks much better. The smell is much less, and though it is still bleeding it is not as much.

Again thank you, and I am figuring out how to check the articles. Very helpful in several areas. Keep up the good work!
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