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  Discussion on Any other possible explanations?
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Member:
Srobert

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 5, 2005 - 8:09 pm:

Some of you may have been in on the discussion about 4-year old Rajah and the western pleasure headset (which morphed into an arabian admiration fest). To bring you up to date, he actually earned the high point trophy at our five county district competition in western AND was also named english high point horse under saddle seat. Yes, a wonderful boy. Now, the nasty part.

About 10 days ago, Raj came in dead lame on a front leg (probably as a result of the fireworks from the small town festival down the road and the equine romp through the darkness that ensued). Back of his cannon was hot and swollen and very ouchy. He could barely put any weight on the leg at all. We immediately went into lame horse mode - stall rest, bute, ice, poultice, pressure wrapping and called the vet who said we were doing everything right. Wait and see.

We did that for about a week and although the lameness improved somewhat, he was still obviously sore. Talked to vet again. Set up an ultrasound appointment which had to be cancelled due to an emergency situaton with another horse (these things happen). She is now on a well-earned vacation with an appointment set for when she returns.

In the last 3 days, Raj has shown rapid improvement to the point of no heat, no swelling, no response to pressure or pinching of the originally ouchy area and no lameness that I can discern (at the walk for a bit of grazing per vet's okay). He does not favor the leg at all - even on rocky surface or stomping flies. Bute was discontinued a couple of days ago.

So, here's my query. Are there injuries that could occur in that area that are not of the tendonitis/desmitis category? I had assumed this was a tendon injury of some sort- figuring there really wasn't any other diagnosis given the location of the injury and the degree of lameness. We will be continuing with stall rest and the ice/poultice/pressure wrap routine for another week until my vet arrives home and we do an ultrasound, but I am truly curious.

Could he perhaps have kicked himself in the back of the front leg (with his hind)or suffered some other sort of blow to the leg that might cause these symptoms? He was very lame - nearly a 5 - and now I see no lameness at all - not even when he twists on the leg or performs "airs above the ground" on our short walks (he's getting pretty restless). I am not asking for a diagnosis - just wondering if there are other types of injuries that could occur to the cannon area of the leg (and produce lameness)that are not tendon-related.

Of course, he qualified for the state 4-H competition scheduled for the end of October (in saddle seat pleasure and ss equitation for those who followed the original post)- why is it always the horse that you NEED to be sound that gets hurt while the ones who were done for the season anyway are sound as a dollar????
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Oct 6, 2005 - 6:44 am:

Damage to the splint bone and subq infection (cellulitis) would be other possibilities. Trauma to the area would also cause inflammation of the soft tissue structures including the tendon and suspensory. The ultrasound and possible radiography will help differentiate these.
DrO
Member:
Srobert

Posted on Saturday, Oct 15, 2005 - 8:39 am:

Thanks Dr. O. My vet did the ultrasound yesterday. Not so good news - but it could be worse. He has a core lesion to the suspensory ligament (perhaps from a split popping at the same time). She says due to overextending the foreleg probably while they were running around in the dark that night. The goods news is, it is located right next to a blood vessels which she said was "wide open and pumping blood like mad" and that is has already begun to heal (its been about 3 weeks). She said we have been doing everything right so far and credits the physical therapy we have been providing as a huge factor in that. What a nice lady. She also says he has an excellent prognosis.

He is on stall rest (he actually has an area equivalent to about 3 box stalls to move around in)for the next 6 weeks until she comes back for a recheck. We have also "borrowed" a friend's mini horse for company. They have become fast friends.

Of course there will be no state show this year.

We are hoping to go the the Arabian Nationals in Albequerque instead (same weekend). Anyone been there before?

Thanks for being out here, Dr. O. It helps.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Oct 15, 2005 - 9:53 am:

Though the idea that a splint could cause irritation to the soft tissues use to be popular, in my opinion I have seen some humongous splints that did not result in problems. So I would go with the hyperextension. Did she grade the lesion as to severity and location?
DrO
Member:
Srobert

Posted on Saturday, Oct 15, 2005 - 10:23 am:

PRobably my misinterpretation. She found a splint (although it was cold) that I don't believe was there before and said it could have popped at the same time. I was absorbing a lot of information and I probably filled in the "gaps" in terms of what made sense in my muddled mind - that the split may have caused the injury (I couldn't think why else there might be a hole in the middle of the tendon).

ANyway, she did measure the lesion and said it was mild (I have read the articles related to this numerous times while waiting for a definite diagnosis). I do not remember what she said in terms of location - she did use the term desmitis but I don't know if it was a branch or main body (I only thought about that when I reread the artcles this morning). It is located in the lower two thirds of the leg on the inside if that helps. I will ask her about that next time we chat.

Your recommended protocol includes hand walking at this stage. She is very adamant about no twisting, leaping, jumping movements. Although Raj is handling the barn well (very calmly in fact) when you take him out on a lead he gets absolutely crazy - rearing, flinging limbs around etc (not typical prior to confinement). She did give me a hormone-based product to squirt in his nose to help calm him for occasional grazing walks - but now I am concerned about the possibility of making things worse at this point. Probably should call her back and clarify on that.

He is not lame and shows little to no pain response on palpitation. However, there remains some heat and some swelling - but not nearly as much as there was even a couple of days ago. I guess its time to KBO!
Member:
Frances

Posted on Sunday, Oct 16, 2005 - 10:20 am:

Hi Shari,

Good luck - I feel for you. This hand-walking with absolutely no leaping around allowed is just about impossible if you ask me.

All you can do is try to find the quietest time of day, especially avoiding feed time and the sound of buckets being filled and distributed if your horse is food-obsessed like mine.

What is the hormone-based squirty thing your vet gave you?

Hopefully, if your horse's lesion is mild you won't have too many months of this.

All the best

Lynn
Member:
Dres

Posted on Sunday, Oct 16, 2005 - 10:36 am:

Shari, what I have done with horses on stall rest that have to be hand walked and ARE NUTS is I put on their saddle or a sursingle with side reins attached.. (( of course the horse has to be used to such 'toys' )) then i put a lunge line on the bit as well... this gives me more control of the flying monster and with the lunge line I am better able to get out of his way and still have control...

good luck...

this soon shall pass...
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with SPOTS..
Member:
Srobert

Posted on Sunday, Oct 16, 2005 - 1:11 pm:

Thanks for the great suggestions! THe "squirty stuff" is called modipher (or maybe modiphur). I can't say I have a lot of confidence in it, but whatever. I don't have any fear of this horse hurting me - just himself! He's young and the weather is cooler and he feels better and...well, you know. Who knew an arabian could do "airs above the ground?" What about using a Pro-Choice Sport Boot when walking? Perhaps that would lend just enough extra support if he got a bit jumpy...

I successfully rehabbed our walker last year with a severed extensor tendon in the hind so I have a good idea of what's ahead....Good thing we love our horses! Onward.
Member:
Canter

Posted on Sunday, Oct 16, 2005 - 4:37 pm:

Shari,
Oh can I empathise with the "fun" of handwalking. My mare spent 4 months last year in stall rest w/ the handwalking. It was a nightmare. As mentioned above, I did my best to walk only at quiet times and Ann's advice to use a lunge line is very sensible. I eventually resorted to that for 2 reasons: 1 was my safety and 2 because I figured if my horse was going to get nutty, it would be better for her injury to move around on a large circle vs the small circle a lead rope would make. Of course, I hoped to keep her quiet and most of the time she was, but when she blew...yikes!

Stay safe.
Member:
Angel77

Posted on Sunday, Oct 16, 2005 - 8:28 pm:

Dear Shari,

My horse once had a splint and was never lame. Thank God***

How long is your horse on hand walk? Do you show? Would your horse be a candidate for Fluphenazine??? Or maybe a little Acepromezine??

My horse has had to be on both drugs(not at the same time of course)during recovery from a couple of different injuries over the past six years.

I have to say the piece of mind alone is well worth it. The horse is well behaved and hopefully there are no further injuries to the horse or the handler.


Good Luck,

WTG
Member:
Srobert

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 18, 2005 - 1:18 am:

Hi WTG; Yes, we do show, but won't be doing that again til spring given the current situation. I'm not sure how long he will be on stall rest. Guess we'll have to see what the next ultrasound says in 6 weeks. However, given the protocol recommended on this site (and Dr. O hasn't steered me wrong yet), I believe it will be a rather extended course of rehab.

Right now, Raj is very calm and well-behaved in the barn. My fear is just that when he sees the great outdoors he naturally wants to play - he is still very young. we will see how the modifer works. I am just going to give him a couple more days in the barn before making another attempt to walk him out. He has a large area in there, so he is actually hand walking himself around quite a bit anyway - and calmly. I just want to make sure he is getting enough exercise to keeps bones and pysche healthy!

Thanks again for the advice. Dr. O, if there is anything else I should be doing, I assume you'll let me know! Thanks, Shari
Member:
Mariss

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 18, 2005 - 11:40 pm:

Have you tried using a chain lead over the nose. That's what I do when I hand walk a horse that has been on stall rest. It gives you some leverage and a reminder for the horse to behave.
Member:
Angel77

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 19, 2005 - 2:05 am:

Dear Mariss,

Have you ever had a horse that was off for several months and had to be hand walked? Some can be good for awhile.

Overall I do not want any of my horses re injuring themselves while on the mend or possibly injuring the handler or innocent people around the barn.

I have seen a horse drag two people one on each side of the horse while one chain is in their mouth like a bit and one chain over the nose or under the chin. When some horses are off work for so long they get abnormally crazy.

In our barn safety always comes first. When warranted and vet prescribed we will error on the side of caution and give a little Acepromazine. For the horses that need 24/7 calming for several months we use Fluphenazine.

Dear Shari,

I hope your horse gets better soon. My thoughts are with you.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do. I do understand that everyone is different. May safety be with you!!!

Thoughtfully,

WTG
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 19, 2005 - 6:49 am:

And some horses will blow through the sedative too, a chain over the nose is a useful device to help maintain control and both may be needed in some cases.
DrO
Member:
Srobert

Posted on Thursday, Oct 20, 2005 - 8:26 am:

I took Raj for a walk this morning. I gave everyone their grain and let them all finish. Then I left all the others in the barn munching on hay. There is still a lot of grass in the yard so he and I strolled around grazing (well, Raj was the one doing most of the grazing). I did put the chain over his nose - something he never needs, but better safe than sorry as you all advised. He really was a gentleman. I also put on the pro-choice medicine boots for just a bit of extra support (probably more for my piece of mind). But, all went well. Thanks for your good wishes and concern. He seems to be doing well. Shari
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Thursday, Oct 20, 2005 - 10:46 am:

Shari-I'm so glad Raj is doing better. For a young horse he has been so good with your daughter I would expect him to be good during his convalescence also. He probably senses that what you are doing is what's needed.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery. I know your daughter is missing riding him. He looked so good in the pictures you posted! It's always something with these guys! And, it always seems to be the ones we either love the most, or the one that's in the middle of a good show season, or the one someone is coming to look at, etc.-that gets sick or hurt! Best of luck to you both!
Member:
Srobert

Posted on Thursday, Oct 20, 2005 - 12:22 pm:

Sara - You are so right! Brianna is pretty disappointed -next weekend is states. She got a bit teary when the vet was here last Friday, but she wouldn't do anything to risk permanent problems. So, to make lemonade out of lemons, we are off to Albequerque next weekend to watch the Arabian nationals and meet his grandsire on both sides - Aladdinn - who will be making an appearance and meeting adoring fans there. I think we'll survive! Now, my husband, who will be on horse duty while we are gone, may not......
Member:
9193

Posted on Thursday, Oct 20, 2005 - 2:23 pm:

Hi Shari,

My daughter and I are in month seven of a multiple tendon/ligament injury rehab program..My daughter and I send our empathy to you and your daughter as you begin your work to heal Rajah.

My daughter's greatest wish is to be able to ride her Justin again in competition with him sound and happy. But just like your Brianna, she is willing to do whatever it takes to get her buddy well. What a contrast to know that there are such exceptional, young, caring women after reading the horrific story of Daisy.

Please send updates...I hope your weekend helps take some of the sting out of your disappointment and that Rajah heals quickly and sound..

Smiles,
Debra and Rachael
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Thursday, Oct 20, 2005 - 4:16 pm:

Shari- I know all about husbands and horse duty! My husband has been on duty ever since I broke my ankle a couple of mos. ago. Do you have to promise morning coffee in bed?

I'm so jealous of your going to Nationals!! I haven't been in several years. It's so exciting to watch all the top horses. I love to wander the barn aisles and look at the horses when they aren't "on" in the ring. And, it will be so exciting to meet Rajah's sire. You'll have to get some good pictures of him and post them when you get back home. Watch out for the market area, though, it just seems to suck you right in!
Member:
Srobert

Posted on Thursday, Oct 20, 2005 - 7:37 pm:

Thanks for the good wishes Deborah. Luckily, we are dealing with only a single ouchy spot. Our best wishes also go out to you and YOUR daughter. Wonderful horsewomen in the making. I have no doubt that both will be back up and aboard for spring.

Sara - We are very excited as well - but complete newbies at this. Any words of wisdom other than to keep our credit cards under firm control at all times???!!!
Member:
Srobert

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 25, 2005 - 7:48 pm:

Well, I think we are turning a corner. The leg is no longer hot or swollen. When I take off the bandage to ice it or re-wrap it, it feels cool and tight - just like the other leg. Hurray! He is not lame that I can see -although of course we are not doing any trotting on purpose. We have not done a lot of hand walking outside the barn as it has been very wet and slippery - and today we have inches and inches of wet SNOW - but he does a lot of moving around in his large stall space (about 20 by 20). i do walk him around in the barn and he is learning some fun tricks ("Smile Rajah!). I'm feeling much better about leaving him with my husband as we head for Albequerque and the arabian nationals in a couple of days (did I mention it is SNOWING here?!!!!!).

It is so nice to have folks out here who understand how exciting it is when your horse starts to get better. Other people just look at you like you are crazy when you skip lunch to race home to make sure your barn-ridden horse isn't feeling too sorry for himself. (He likes carrots for lunch....they kind without skins thank you). Not spoiled - just doted on.....
Member:
Srobert

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 30, 2005 - 7:11 pm:

Here's an update. The ultrasound at 8 weeks post-injury showed an absolutely normal ligament. The vet says she wouldn't be able to tell that there had been an injury without her original "pictures." no swelling, no heat, and no scar tissue in the ligament. Such good news. THe vet is attributing the phenomenal results to our immediate and consistent physical therapy program (shall I tell you how many daily trips I was making to the ball with bags of frozen vegetables to wrap around his leg?? I was thinking of stamping "Del Monte" on his forehead). Thank goodness for this website - we knew just what to do! Of course, being young and of hearty stock (gotta love those arabs) probably had an awful lot to do with it as well!

Rajah is now allowed outside time in a medium-sized paddock and is a happy camper again -back to his own marvelous personality. No standing wraps, but he does wear sport boots for support when he is outside. So, it looks like he will be back in action in the spring. Hurray!

BTW, Arabian Nations was an absolutely outstanding experience. We got to meet Aladdinn and were inspired by all the great people and horses we met. WOW!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Dec 1, 2005 - 8:11 am:

Super Shari and cogratulations.
Member:
9193

Posted on Thursday, Dec 1, 2005 - 12:09 pm:

Yea Shari!!!

I am so happy for you, your daughter and Rajah..May the healing continue thru the winter...
Send a "ribboned" picture in the spring....

Smiles,
Debra
Member:
Srobert

Posted on Thursday, Dec 1, 2005 - 12:40 pm:

Thanks Debra! (Dr. O too) How are things going with your daughter and her beloved Justin? I hope you are also getting good news. I would love to see a picture of them as well. Aren't we proud of our young horsewomen?!!!
Member:
Srobert

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 14, 2005 - 7:54 am:

Here's an interesting development. Yesterday I noticed that Rajah seemed to have one hoof that had grown considerably faster than its counterpart on the opposite side. Then, I realized this was the leg that we had been re-habbing for his ligament injury - icing, wrapping, massaging, etc. several times a day. In fact, the vet had mentioned that the ultrasound showed his blood vessels on that leg are wide open and pumping like crazy (she even mentioned something about developing an additional blood vessel in that location, but I don't know if that is actually possible). Regardless, am I right in thinking all the stimulation to the leg has probably stimulated hoof growth as well as the wonderful results we have had in the healing of the ligament?

Luckily, the farrier will be here in a couple of days to put everything right again, but it was an interesting discovery and a bit of an "aha" moment!
Member:
Hwood

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 14, 2005 - 12:57 pm:

It seems to me that the leg that was taking the weight would be the one that would wear down faster.

I had an Arabian that had sustained a traumatic injury to his left shoulder and neck, and though he was not "off" on his left front or his rhythym during the time I had him, he very definitely grew his left front foot longer and more upright, whereas his right front hoof was kept worn down, was more spread out and had a lower heel.

I sometimes think of my own feet and how one is longer or wider, and how I wear down the heel of my right shoe faster than I do that of my left. (My right side is definitely stronger.) The evidence of imbalance is all around us, and we strive to find a balance in this seemingly imbalanced world.
Member:
Srobert

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 14, 2005 - 8:42 pm:

He was in the barn all those weeks standing on soft bedding and bearing weight on the injured leg literally the entire time so I am less inclined to think it was an issue of wearing the hoof the uninjured leg down as much as stimulating the growth in the other through all the physical therapy applied above it on the leg. But, I'll wait and see what (or if) Dr. O chimes in. It is not misshapen or bigger - just grew longer - faster. I know they say hair grows faster when you are exercising more - or are more active (such as during the summer months) and it seemed logical that this could also apply to hooves - but who knows?? (I do a lot of speculating about stuff like this) I just thought it was interesting. Of course the important thing here is Raj continues to be sound and happy!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 - 6:35 am:

Shari I have never seen any work that has found such a correlation before and thinking of all the pros and cons for the proposition makes my head spend. I am more inclined to think the farrier in an attempt to be easy with the leg may not have got as much trimmed as with the other and this was not apparent until the foot grew out but to answer your question: perhaps.
DrO
Member:
Srobert

Posted on Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 - 7:52 am:

That could be. Now, go answer more important questions!!
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