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Discussion on Hindlimb middle 3rd medial splint bone fracture
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New Member:
clarel
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 19, 2012 - 8:19 am:
Hi.
3 months ago my horse sustained a hindlimb middle 3rd medial closed splint bone fracture. The fracture most probably occured during an 80km endurance ride, following a poor shoeing job (normal farrier had a car accident). X-Rays (4 weeks after injury occured) showed fracture as non-displaced. Exostosis has not changed in size or temperature for the past 10 weeks, but horse is now (as of 6 weeks ago)completely non-responsive to hard palpation (which she had been initially). The horse presents as sound on trot-out. My vet has requested I start working the horse, which I have done (2 weeks ago), but have noticed that she feels 'off' at the trot, predominatedly her gait is crabbing sideways, more pronounced uphill and on harder ground. This can be felt riding, but would be unlikely to be visible to an observer. Otherwise, she is travelling fairly well, but maybe not quite as keenly as normal, though still with good impulsion. My vet declined to ultrasound her suspensory, or to re-xray before starting riding her again, as he did not believe this would provide further information. I have consulted with 2 equine vets in my state, including the university, of which the response has been - 'just keep riding her as it's unlikely you'll get any more clarity from further diagnostic procedures'. There has never been any soft swelling or edema, and lameness has never been more than a 1 (on a scale of 1-5)at the trot.
I'm wondering if it's likely that the 'offness' I'm feeling could still be a result of the fracture sight being tender, or if it's more likely that there is other soft tissue damage?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 19, 2012 - 10:41 pm:
Welcome clare f,
Without examining the horse we cannot tell you what if either of the scenerios you pose is likely or not. I do believe a experienced eye will be able to tell you if there is lameness present, so if an experienced equine veterinarian examines the horse and does not find lameness, the suggestion of continued work is sensible. If they do see lameness the work up should pinpoint whether it is the splint or somewhere else.
DrO
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New Member:
clarel
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Posted on Thursday, Jun 21, 2012 - 4:57 am:
Thank you for your response.
This may just be asking the same question in a different way, but just briefly, all other factors aside. Is it possible (in general, in this type of injury) that there could still be pain from the original fracture after 3 months, presuming that there are definitely no other complications?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 23, 2012 - 9:30 am:
Hello clare f,
Usually it would have healed and nonpainful by now but if it has been slow to heal or not healed well it could still be painful.
DrO
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