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  Discussion on Shattered Tibia
Author Message
Member:
andym

Posted on Monday, Jul 29, 2013 - 11:01 pm:

Dr O,
My 13 yr old Arabian gelding was boarded with a very good trainer and stable owner. Last Tuesday about 10:00 PM, she recognized pain and colic symptoms. She alerted the clinic and had him there about 11:00 PM. By examination and surgery, she (the veterinarian) found a tumor encircling his small intestine. She successfully removed the tumor which solved the colic problem. That was about 1:30 AM or a bit later and my trainer left at that time. Calls to me that night were not sucessful but I commend both of them for doing the right thing.
Then, the next morning, we both received a phone call from the clinic that although the surgery was successful, a complication had arisen. He had broken his tibia and it was a compound fracture. Believing, that prognosis for repair of that tibia break was very doubtful, I approved his being uthenized which was the humane and right decision.
I talked with the Doctor again this morning. She willingly is sending me a report in layman language of the whole event. I asked just how the break occurred, She said he was standing, he had recovered from anithesia, when he "hopped" on that right leg and the tibia literally shattered and broke into several pieces. She said that such a break was irrepairable and that I did make the right decision. She also said that such a break is very, very rare but as in this case does sometimes happen. With her report, she is sending me an image of the leg but forewarned me, it is shocking and unsettling to look at. She also said they do not know what causes the bone to shatter like it did.
After saying all of that above, my question to you Dr O is whether you know of breaks like this and is there a reason like maybe previous bone deterioration from other causes. We are greatly saddened by the loss of our "Ibn" and are searching for answers.
Thank you,
Andy
Member:
frances

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 31, 2013 - 1:27 am:

How very very sad. I am so sorry to hear this.
Member:
andym

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 31, 2013 - 4:38 pm:

Dr O,
As I continued my search for answers, I came on the subject of equine osteoporosis which which apparently has some ocurrance in California and seems related to silicate contained in the soils there. That of course is a weakened bone condition and more subject to fractures. I am in PA not CA and, in 50 yrs of horses, have not heard of it as a problem here in the East. Is this a likely cause of my horse's broken bone ? If so, how likely others here might be affected ? Would a soil test help ? Are there tests for Osteoporosis ? Could diet be a contributor ? Lots of questions but find little written on the disease in horses.

Andy
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 31, 2013 - 5:52 pm:

Hello andym,
My condolences on your horse. I suspect your horse was still a bit unsteady from the anesthesia and while moving around took the weight on that leg in a manner that caused the bone to fracture. Horses with osteoporosis tend to have chronic lameness problems: does this describe your horse?



Edited from the U of Cal Vet School web site: The diagnosis of osteoporosis is made with radioactive isotope bone scans. Multiple abnormalities are identified in multiple bones of the upper portions of the legs, the vertebral spine, and the ribs.

The results of routine blood tests are usually normal. Radiographs of the legs are not generally helpful in disease diagnosis because the bones in the lower part of the limbs are minimally affected. Good quality radiographs of the lower cervical vertebrae in the base of the neck may be useful for detection of bone changes in moderately to severely affected horses. Ultrasound examination of the scapula (shoulder blade) may demonstrate thickening of the scapular spine or evidence of a fracture.
DrO
Member:
andym

Posted on Saturday, Aug 3, 2013 - 1:04 pm:

LL
Thank you for your condolences.
DrO
Thank you also and for your CA Davis reference.
IBN had no lameness and was regularly exercised and in good physical condition. I do not think osteo was present. It was just a thought of mine. I waited to respond to yours until I received the Doctor's report of the break.
In looking at the Clinic's statement, he was tranquilized upon entry (2:00AM) for examination and then ANETHESIA.BP.EKG-EMERGENCY once and then the same thing 2ND HR during surgery. The words I used in my previous writing explaining the event are verbatim with those used by the Dr in my phone conversation with her.
In her report, a bit differently, it says "IBN was transferred to the recovery room following completion of the procedure where he rested quietly for 45 minutes. During his first attempt to stand, which was not accompanied by any distress, he sustained a comminuted, open fracture of the right tibia. Unfortunately, the severity of the fracture was so great it necessitated euthanasia for humane reasons and your permission was so granted."
She enclosed a copy of the X-ray which indeed shows a catastrophic break. The cause? Preventible? But euthanization was the correct decision. IBN will be missed.
Andy
Member:
vickiann

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 6, 2013 - 4:24 pm:

So sorry to hear about your loss and this very sad situation.
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