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Discussion on Torn Meniscus Tendon
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New Member:
kkrajcik
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Posted on Monday, Jul 28, 2008 - 2:42 pm:
I have an 18 year old TB/QH who was just diagnosed with having a torn Meniscus tendon after doing ultrasound.
Currently he is on 2 weeks of complete stall rest. I can't even hand walk him. Is there anything I can do or give him to make him happier? As it is, when I take him out for grooming, he doesn't want to go back in.
Furthermore, my veterinarian is recommending a technique where they inject stem cells or marrow cells into the tendon to speed up healing. Does anyone know anything about this and what the success rate is?
His level of lameness is minor when there is no one on his back. But he goes three-legged lame with a rider.
Any words of wisdom would be much appreciated.
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Monday, Jul 28, 2008 - 4:27 pm:
Hi Kathy,
Several members have highly recommended installing a non-breakable mirror in the stall of a horse confined for injury. The horse feels he has company and settles down. Also recommended are safely hung hay nets (double layered), to slow down eating and keep the horse busier than if he just eats it from a pile. Also, if possible, try to have another horse in, at least part time, with the stalled horse, in the stall across or next to the resting horse.
I'm sure if you do a search here on HA, you will find some other suggestions as well. It's been a topic discussed quite often as stall resting is as agonizing for the horse's owner as it is for the horse!
Good luck!
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 29, 2008 - 8:40 am:
Welcome KathyK,
There is an article on keeping horses as calm as possible during stall resting at, Training & Conditioning Horses » Behavioral Problems » Stall Resting Horses.
Proper treatment will depend on the location and severity of the lesion and often endoscopic examination and surgery to clean up damaged tissue is recommended as ultrasound alone does not always define all the lesions well. Your description is a little confusing as their is no "meniscal tendon". The menisci themselves are considered heavy ligamentous tissue and have smaller ligaments anchoring them to the bones of the stifle. I am guessing it is one of these smaller ligaments that is torn but am only guessing. For more anatomy of this area see Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Diseases of the Upper Rear Limb » Stifle Lameness » Overview of Stifle Lameness.
DrO
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 29, 2008 - 9:48 am:
Hi Kathy,
My horse had a severe tear to his superficial flexor tendon. He had the surgery as described by Dr. O followed by a bone marrow injection at the site. While I had read that the success rate was pretty good, I have not personally realized the same effects. YMMV
Good Luck!
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Member:
kkrajcik
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 29, 2008 - 9:53 pm:
I mistakenly called it a tendon when I should have called it a ligament. I would have to call my vet for more information as to specifically which one it is.
I don't believe it's a severe tear. He is sound by himself and can be fairly sound riding on flat surfaces, but he goes three-legged lame when ridden in the ring which has deep sand footing.
Chris, I'm sorry to hear that you didn't have success with this procedure. It sounds like a great thing to do, and I know there are no guarantees with anything. I'm really nervous about this whole thing because I've never dealt with this kind of injury before. Without doing the procedure, I hear stories of horses being laid up for a year. I can't think of that.
It's painful to go and see him because I think he's depressed. I find him standing in the corner, and he doesn't get all energetic when I take him out. Furthermore, he doesn't want to go back in.
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Member:
kbr1
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 30, 2008 - 10:38 am:
Kathy,
Good luck with your horse, I have been dealing with a tendon injury for 17 months now. I tried the mirror and my horse totally freaked. I do use a form of the double bagged hay but I bought a hay bag that had really small openings. I did find that a radio turned to a talk radio station helped.
Again good luck!
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 30, 2008 - 10:46 am:
Kathy,
I think one year lay up is better than lame for the remainder of their lives or being put down. I'm 9 months or so into it and we've survived; you will too.
When you get a little further along, he should be able to be out more. I moved my horse out of a box stall into a pipe corral so he could see more of what was going on and have contact with other horses. He is much happier. It's a royal pain for me since he doesn't stay as clean (that's for you Denny  ) and he got scraped up a bit establishing hierarchy with his neighbors. How a 17.2 hand warmblood got his face scraped up by a 14 hand 100 year old arab is one of life's big mysteries.
You can do carrot stretches with your horse, teach him tricks, there are many things to do. Be creative and keep his mind busy for a little bit each day.
He's going to pick up on your attitude so try to keep a good attitude. I still tell my boy everyday he's the handsomest sweetest best thing since sliced bread. Hang in there.
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New Member:
shoota
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Posted on Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008 - 11:11 pm:
Kathy, what you described is exactly what my TWH mare has been having for two months. She is not lame with no one on her, but when I am on her, she goes three legged lame. I will go to my vet and show your posting, and ask her opinion of how to treat her.
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