I’m cautiously considering purchasing a 14 year old horse who was diagnosed with UPF 6 years ago and has not done much more than light work since the diagnosis due to owners other obligations. I called my vet’s surgery center this morning to get an estimate on starting over with a lameness exam through surgery, and they would only give me an estimate on diagnostic costs. I know it’s a pretty easy surgery, but I’d want to appropriately negotiate the purchase price as accurately as I can. What did it cost you? Were you happy with the results? Thank you!
What degree of UFP is there? Surgery, even this one, isn’t where I’d start with a horse who’s been out of work for 6 years
It may not be where I start, but I think it’s a smart idea to know what I’d be in for financially if it comes to that.
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Ask the vet you’d plan to use. Costs can range greatly depending on who does it and where. Ask the source.
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Done. No estimate was given. As above:
" I called my vet’s surgery center this morning to get an estimate on starting over with a lameness exam through surgery, and they would only give me an estimate on diagnostic costs"
Then I’d press further to ask someone higher up, etc. and explain your situation so you can get a quote on the surgery.
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I paid around $500 for splitting on both stifles. Standing sedation and it was done in about 5 minutes - the prep was the longest part. Rest for a short period of time and then back to riding. I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again. I tried strengthening, estrone, etc. beforehand but it didn’t help. The splitting seemed to take away the pain response from the upward fixation. He still gets “caught” on the left stifle sometimes but it doesn’t cause a pain response under saddle like it did in the past.
He does need a monthly Adequan injection but otherwise (monthly seems to work best for him), no further issues.
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Mine was closer to $700 for splitting of one stifle and blistering of both stifles. It did the trick for my horse. I tried estrone, and it worked but my horse then did a long stall rest and I couldn’t do the conditioning at the time due to the injury that necessitated the stall rest, but the stifle was making him sore and I couldn’t advance in the rehab process so I was in a catch 22.
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