Carpal canal surgery? Any experience and advice appreciated.

[barngirl]

My 13 yr old OTTB is headed to MSU tomorrow to have a boney protrusion removed with arthroscopic surgery. I thankfully caught the issue before it caused lameness. The vet’s think he will have a full recovery in 8-12 weeks, and be started back to work. It initially presented as a weird swelling behind his knee and a small lump just above the knee joint. He was never off, and has been allowed to go on turn out until the surgery I just haven’t ridden him since the diagnosis at the end of September.

I’m curious if anyone has any experience with this type of surgery, recovery and especially what to expect from/during rehab. I’m mildly anxious about the surgery because he will be under full anesthesia, but even more worried about the fact he will need 2 weeks stall rest. I’ve been told by the surgeon he can be hand walked a lot, but he has been a handful just going out to his pasture recently and that is just after being in at night. I’m assuming he will have to be in some amount of drugs initially, he is a big boy ( 16.3 ) and can be quite cheeky on a good day with 24/7 turn out. He has not been thrilled about mr not tiring him and has actually been working himself with daily canter and even gallops of his 3 acre pasture. So any advise would be appreciated.

[luvmypup]

What a timely post. My 3 year old is heading in for this surgery today. She too has never been lame so they are hoping for s full recovery. Exact same symptoms- weird swelling behind the knee and soft squishy bump above it.

I’m also equally stressed. About the surgery and definitely about the stall rest. My mare is hot and I have no shame in saying tranq will be my friend. I’ve also bought various toys to rotate as well as a back on track blanket.

[barngirl]

@luvmypup sounds like we are in the same boat. I’m having them send me home with a bottle of ace. He usually does pretty good in his stall. He settled right in at the clinic. Like bye mom. I got this. Lol.
mom more worried about the hand walking. They actually found another one on the opposite knee so since he will be already under anesthesia we have the go ahead for both knees. 😬 increased the price tag but we figured why not get it done now. I’m kinda hoping it makes him a little more subdued with two bandaged legs. 🤞 though I’m a little worried about having to rebandage. 😬

im curious where are you having your marss surgery down Clifford is going at MSU and its being doen by Dr. Nickels.
Jingles for your mates easy and full recovery.

[barngirl]

@luvmypup sounds like we are in the same boat. I’m having them send me home with a bottle of ace. He usually does pretty good in his stall. He settled right in at the clinic. Like bye mom. I got this. Lol.
mom more worried about the hand walking. They actually found another one on the opposite knee so since he will be already under anesthesia we have the go ahead for both knees. 😬 increased the price tag but we figured why not get it done now. I’m kinda hoping it makes him a little more subdued with two bandaged legs. 🤞 though I’m a little worried about having to rebandage. 😬

im curious where are you having your marss surgery down Clifford is going at MSU and its being doen by Dr. Nickels.
Jingles for your mates easy and full recovery.

[Ambitious_Kate]

I think I would have a very good friend who knows how to handle horses tag team with me. Someone to hold him while you bandage, and someone to go on the other side of him wwhen walking. Two is better than one. That way if he gets feisty, there are two of you to hold him down, and if you get hurt someone to handle the horse, etc. You need helmets, dressage whips (to extend your reach at his chest so he minds his manners and doest barrell ahead or around you) and maybe a chain lead shank. I don’t think you will need a chain lead shank, but I guess it can’t hurt to have one. My OTTB mare was 17 hands, and I was only 12 years old, and the chain went into her mouth and it kept her busy playing with it and I didn’t have to haul on her, she walked nicely playing with the chain, when she was feisty.

[barngirl]

@Ambitious Kate yes I plan to wear my helmet, have gloves and he is use to me using the dressage whip and a guide when walking. He really isn’t bad but when he gets impatient when in good health is go to behavior is pulling back and little half rears. I’m more worried he will hurt himself/undo his surgery than myself. He is very good about being self aware and thankfully doesn’t try to hurt me. But I will use everything at my disposal. I’m not against a a little Ace the first few times.
He did have to be on stall rest for a severe case of cellulitis a few years ago. And he handled it quite well. But he was a busy boarding facility so he had people racking up right outside his stall and could look into the indoor and see stuff. But his leg also was hugely swollen and he felt crappy. So it sure how he will be.
Now he will just be home at our little place. We’re hoping bringing two steers up he can see out of his stall door will keep him entertained. 🤞
I miss him after only a day so I just can’t wait to get him home. 🥰

[luvmypup]

@barngirl my mare had her surgery at Guelph university large animal clinic in Ontario. She is 2 weeks of stall rest followed by 2 weeks of stall rest and hand walking. Then slowly start introducing turnout in a small pen.

So far our biggest issue is the hay restriction. They want her very slowly reintroduced to hay. so 25% of her normal ration today (day 1), 50% tomorrow and 75% on day 3. She is hangry and raged about it.

The bandage is to be changed starting tomorrow and then alternating days. That said she has already removed it twice today. 🙄