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  Discussion on Old Gelding Neurectomy
Author Message
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Sunday, Apr 12, 2009 - 2:41 pm:

My old paint gelding Flash had his "training neurectomy" yesterday. I wasn't able to take photos this time, but I wish I could have tape recorded the event-- the verbal instruction of the newbie surgeon was extensive and very interesting. I learned a lot about how surgeons locate and positively identify structures within the horse, especially when those structures are not textbook in location or appearance. They talked extensively about the decision points in a surgery-- where to cut, how to suture, etc.. I also learned what the pros do when an old gelding sets up to pee right onto a sterile surgical incision!

It was an extremely long procedure-- 4 hours-- and the combination of environment, sedation, and manipulation for the surgery was quite hard on my old horse, though he tried hard and was a champ.. He is tired and sore today, but is nickering to me when I go check on him, which he hasn't done in many years. He is bright and alert and eating.

As the surgical pain resolves, we'll see whether this procedure has salvaged his quality of life sufficient to maintain him in retirement. I'm moderately hopeful for him.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Apr 12, 2009 - 3:08 pm:

Thanks for the Update Elizabeth, I hope Flash feels better soon and is comfortable enough for retirement.
Member:
jowidner

Posted on Sunday, Apr 12, 2009 - 9:13 pm:

Sure hopes this helps your old guy be more comfortable, Elk. Sounds like to was fascinating to watch. So let me guess, did they give Flash a horse-size urinal?
Member:
canter

Posted on Monday, Apr 13, 2009 - 7:30 am:

So glad the surgery went well, Elizabeth. I hope Flash continues to recover well enough to enjoy his retirement.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Apr 13, 2009 - 7:42 am:

Good luck Elk, let us know how it all goes.
DrO
Member:
vickiann

Posted on Monday, Apr 13, 2009 - 11:32 am:

Hoping for a good outcome for Flash.
Member:
lilo

Posted on Monday, Apr 13, 2009 - 2:30 pm:

Rooting for Flash to be comfortable now. Good luck, Elizabeth, and thanks for the update. Lilo
Member:
paul303

Posted on Thursday, Apr 16, 2009 - 12:17 am:

How's it going, Elizabeth? Sounds like a long surgery.....so tough on the old ones. Wishing you and Flash the very best!
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Thursday, Apr 16, 2009 - 9:23 am:

Thanks Lee. Flash is recovering well from the surgery. The incisions look good with no swelling and minimal drainage. He has been cooperative for his bandage changing and antibiotics (3 days IM Naxcel). The bandages restrict his mobility, so it's tough to say yet how much the surgery has helped, but he seems comfortable enough, and his attitude is certainly improving.
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Friday, May 1, 2009 - 10:05 am:

Hi folks,

Just posting an update on Flash's recovery. The incisions healed pretty well given it was a first-time surgery for the vet. My horse's career as a "hoof and pastern model" is finished, but there was no swelling or infection. I can verify that he does not have sensation in his front heels.

As to whether this surgery has salvaged his quality of life sufficient for retirement, I'm still pretty guarded. As of now, it seems likely not, but I will have a better sense in a week or so when he can go back on turnout and live more as he prefers. He has been a good patient, and very easy to work around. Going to be a tough call.
Member:
digger89

Posted on Friday, May 1, 2009 - 12:19 pm:

Elk - My gelding had bilateral neurectomies when shoes, injections, daily bute etc were not enough. The neurectomies helped tremendously but were not quite enough. We gave him Previcox, the canine version of Equioxx, instead of bute, and had great results. He stayed pasture sound for another year, and had no apparent side effects from the Previcox. His dose was 1/4 of the 227 mg table in an apple slice, and it cost about 50 cents a day. It was as effective as 2 grams of bute per day. There are many discussions in Horse Advise about this use of previcox. This might be something to consider if the neurectomies are not enough pain relief. Sarah
Member:
mrose

Posted on Friday, May 1, 2009 - 9:02 pm:

I hope your old gentleman shows improvement and becomes comfortable to be turnout. You're doing what you can for the old boy. Keep us posted.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, May 2, 2009 - 7:36 am:

elk, you post is a bit unclear about what is still troubling your horse to give only a guarded prognosis for pasture sound. Does he still remain severely lame?
DrO
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Saturday, May 2, 2009 - 9:54 am:

Hi DrO, yes. My original decision to euthanize the horse was based in part on knowing that he had so many different sources of lameness (a destroyed right knee, dodgy left knee, bad hocks, etc.) that there was no affordable way to offer him relief sufficient for any quality of retirement. I had maintained him for years on bute and later previcox, but he was no longer responding well to either.

My other neurectomy case (Rosie) was also a salvage with other lameness (hocks, stifle)-- she has responded spectacularly well to the surgery. Given that my gelding's surgery was no-cost, it seemed worth trying, especially since heel pain seems to me to be more depressing to horses than many other chronic lameness.

I still hope that his attitude will brighten when our weather breaks and he can go outside with his other geriatric buddy, but I have been disappointed by his gains so far.
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Friday, Jul 31, 2009 - 11:44 am:

I have posted elsewhere about the tremendous success we had with this surgery on my older mare Rosie. I thought, for balance, I should report that things did not work out so well for my old man Flash.

We had blocked his feet prior to subjecting him to the neurectomy, and he had responded very well. His post-surgical relief was very short however-- as he transferred weight onto his front end, he developed severe RF knee pain and swelling, and other front-leg issues that were fairly non-responsive to NSAIDs.

Both my vet and I also observed that he acted more blind somehow-- we theorized that he had been feeling his away around somewhat on those painful front feet, and was now disoriented.

3.5 months of summer brought a remarkable decline in his mobility, his condition, and his attitude, so I put him down this morning rather than ask him to face another winter with poor footing and cold. As an aside, we put him down with a single .22 Stinger cartridge. It was the quickest and most humane euthanasia I've witnessed (for the horse-- a bit tough for the human), and I've attended more than my share. I used a wax cattle marking crayon to ensure proper placement of the shot, and he was gone before his knees buckled. That was a fine and brave old horse-- rest in peace.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Friday, Jul 31, 2009 - 11:52 am:

Elizabeth so sorry to hear this, my condolences. It sounds like it was the thing to do. It's always so hard tho.
Member:
vickiann

Posted on Friday, Jul 31, 2009 - 12:03 pm:

Sincere condolences for your loss as I know you will miss him.
Member:
canter

Posted on Friday, Jul 31, 2009 - 12:46 pm:

Elizabeth, I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. You certainly tried your best to give him a longer, more comfortable life. Sadly, these things don't always work out as planned.

My condolences~
Fran
Member:
sdms

Posted on Friday, Jul 31, 2009 - 1:00 pm:

Elizabeth, I'm so sorry for your loss. I admire your courage to make the hard choices for your horses and your strength to follow through with what needs to be done.

Rest in peace, Flash.

~Sara
Member:
anniel

Posted on Friday, Jul 31, 2009 - 1:11 pm:

Hello Elk, I am new to the list and just read through the thread about Flash. I am so sorry for your loss. What a precious person you are for going the distance, doing all in your power to do, yet keeping Flash's best interest first.
Well done, Annie
Member:
rtrotter

Posted on Friday, Jul 31, 2009 - 1:30 pm:

Elk,
My condolences to you, I know how hard it is to lose a treasured friend. You did everything you could for your horse and I am sure he appreciated all of your care.

God bless you and Godspeed to Flash.
Rachelle
Member:
leslie1

Posted on Friday, Jul 31, 2009 - 1:35 pm:

((hugs)))
Member:
dres

Posted on Friday, Jul 31, 2009 - 2:26 pm:

Elk you are one brave courageous woman.. my hat is off to you..
RIP old man Flash..

On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
Member:
brandi

Posted on Friday, Jul 31, 2009 - 8:46 pm:

Bless you Elizabeth. My heart breaks for you, because though I don't know any more history of you and Flash than is in this very post, your story strikes a chord in me because of my beloved and infirmed gelding. Someday I'd like to share, but for today, I just wish you peace and comfort. And I know your Flash thanks you with all his heart for every moment and every gift you gave him - most especially this last one.
Member:
zarr

Posted on Friday, Jul 31, 2009 - 9:48 pm:

For Flash a quick and painless exit! For you the knowledge that you did all you could, and in the end that called for bravery most lack! RIP Flash and God Bless Elizabeth!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Aug 1, 2009 - 8:10 am:

My condolences elk.
DrO
Member:
jowidner

Posted on Saturday, Aug 1, 2009 - 10:21 pm:

I'm so very sorry Elizabeth. You really did a lot for Flash. It sounds as if his body was just plumb worn out. Bless you for your courage. Rest in peace, Flash.
Member:
paul303

Posted on Saturday, Aug 1, 2009 - 11:25 pm:

Took a lot of guts, Elizabeth. Flash was well cared for. My heart breaks for you, as it does for all who face this. But for all the agony we endure at the end of their lives.....the connection we have with them is always worth it. Horses....there's just nothing like them.
Member:
kriseyc

Posted on Monday, Aug 3, 2009 - 9:41 pm:

My Sincere Condolences Elk. Rest in peace Flash

IKE
Member:
frances

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 4, 2009 - 5:39 am:

I'm very sorry to hear it elk; it must have been especially hard on you as Rosie's great results would have raised your hopes that Flash would be similarly "reborn" . Thanks for posting both sides.
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