This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Diseases of the Lower Limb » Diseases of the Splint Bones »
  Discussion on Hidden or "blind" splint
Author Message

Posted on Monday, Jun 11, 2001 - 3:09 pm:

Hi everyone and Hi Dr. O:

I am so happy that I just renewed my membership as I am in need of advice. My horse came up with heat in his front right leg on Thursday last week. There was some slight swelling in the leg, but nothing very obvious except heat. We decided not to ride him and call the vet. She said 2 gms bute, cold hose or ice, and DMSO wrap with stall rest.

Saturday, I was cold hosing him when I noticed that when the hose hit the inside of his leg just below the knee, he jumped in pain. So, I told the vet.

Today, the vet was able to come for an exam. She said she palpated (sp?) the inside of the leg just below the knee, but there was no painful response. Her estimate was that this means he is getting better and the cause of the injury could be a blind splint.

Her diagnosis was to continue the bute, ice, dmso, stall rest regimen until Thursday and to re-check.
Does this sound like a) a "blind" splint to you (what is that by the way?) and b) would you suggest a similar regimen.

Also, she said if he doesn't get better she will block him.

Just looking for a second opinion.

Thanks,
liz

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 12, 2001 - 7:27 am:

Well Glad you Could Stay!
No, though possible, the reaction to being hit by the hose is not terribly significant.
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 13, 2001 - 12:35 am:

I am confused are you saying No this does not sound like a blind splint?

Just curious,
Liz

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 13, 2001 - 6:56 am:

I am saying Liz that though it is possible, the hose hitting the horse and the horse jumping has no diagnostic significance. There is nothing in your post to indicate what may be causing your horse to be lame apart from the vets thoughts on the it.
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 27, 2001 - 11:03 am:

Splint or not, an update
I am adding on to my original question from June 11th. Originally, my horse had appeared to be improving. He had a swelling and heat just below the knee and to the inside on the front right leg, but little to no lameness. With rest and DMSO wraps, the swelling and heat disappeared. We started walk/trot rides last week. He was ridden for about 20 minutes a day at walk trot every day until Monday (6/25). There was no sign of the swelling returning and he was wrapped every day EXCEPT MONDAY. Then yesterday, Tuesday, I went out to ride him and his leg was swollen again, except this time the swelling was in the fetlock area, but to the inside. There was heat and the vet suggested furazone sweat wrap and she will see him again to today and possibly do an ultra sound.

Any ideas on what this could be, does it still sound like a splint or is it because he wasn't wrapped for one night???

What do you think?

Signed confused.

Posted on Thursday, Jun 28, 2001 - 7:03 am:

Elizabeth,
There still is no clear indication you are dealing with a splint or what might be causing the changes. There are so many other possible reasons for the swelling and heat with trauma at the top of the list. Let us know what the vet says.
DrO

Posted on Friday, Jun 29, 2001 - 3:32 pm:

Dr. O:

The vet said that he IS better. However, she believes he swelled up again because he wasn't wrapped for one night. She said she has known other horses who swell the first time that are not wrapped after having been consistently wrapped for a few weeks. So, we are now weaning him off the standing wraps and we will see what happens. The really good thing is that he is not showing any signs of lameness, so I am assuming that it is just edema.

As for the original cause of the trauma, we have no idea. But, I am hoping that whatever it is/was it will not come back!

Thanks for everything.
Liz
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC