Advice on Rehabbing an older pony/superficial digital flexor tendon

[ozjb]

I took my lame pony into the vet to see why she was lame. Unfortunately, it isn’t good news.

She has “marked enlargement of over 15 -20 centimetres” with other lesions and disruptions. The deep flexor tendon is also showing some damage, probably due to compensation. NO idea how she managed to do this . . .she is 30 with Cushings, but looks and acts much younger. She is still in light work.

The vet said there is pretty much no chance of recovery, so think about PTS. I accept that, but the mare isn’t ready yet so I am looking for advice on keeping her comfortable until we can’t any more.

Vet recommended extended box rest, Previcox first then Bute if the Previcox isn’t working. Icing twice a day. Voltaran (we’re in Australia, don’t know if that’s in the US? It’s a people gel for sore muscles)).

Anything else? I have Back on Track boots that might sort of fit her. Would these help or hinder?

Everything I have read is aimed at a younger horse that might come back from this. Cherry might surprise us . . . she is that kind of pony, but I am not really holding out hope for that. Just want her comfortable.

Thanks so much

[lenapesadie]

I don’t have any answers for you, but want to send you virtual hugs. Sounds like a tough situation for you and Cherry.

[Scribbler]

I think that tendon degeneration may be an effect of Cushing’s.

[joiedevie99]

Ditto. Make sure the Cushing’s is under control. It’s super hard to get anything to heal if the Pergolide/other med dose isn’t right.

[ozjb]

Thank you. It’s really devasting for my daughter. Cherry was her second pony . . .took her from a little kid just off the lead line to state/national levels in showjumping and dressage. And her first events were done on Cherry. Daughter is still riding and my granddaughter has just started Pony Club on her. She is going to be a hard act to follow! One of those ponies who did whatever she was asked IF you asked her correctly. LOL Her attitude is “oh, all right if I must” to everything.

[candyappy]

Sounds like she has certainly earned her place as special in your lives. i hope you can find a way to keep her happy and comfortable since like you said she isn’t ready to go yet.

[Jackie_Cochran]

You asked about BOT boots.

I was riding a problem school horse with pretty bad conformation. He had this big wind puff on his right hind leg. This was distressing to my riding teacher. I researched stuff on the web and got him the BOT exercise boots that are made to be used while riding.

The wind puff immediately started reducing. Of course since I only rode him once or twice a week the next time the wind puff was back to its normal. However over the two or more years I rode him my riding teacher stopped getting hung up on this wind puff.

This horse gave every indication of LIKING his boots (I got them for all four legs.)

I am glad I never ran into your problem, but I see no reason not to try them. I would worry about fit though, BOT stuff seems to work better if it fits the horse (though I have gotten away with some of their stuff being too big.)

We never cured this 25-28 year old geldings many problems, but he gave every indication that he LIKED his BOT stuff. He got to trotting sound and moving out better.

But again this was just for old legs that threw a BIG wind puff.