Cost to remove floating knee chip?

[GoForAGallop]

I’m strongly considering a little CANTER mare, who is dirt cheap because of a floating knee chip. (Does come with x-rays and a great prognosis from track vet.)

Can anyone tell me more about this? How much am I looking at for $$? (Which I am just considering as the “purchase price” for the mare.) I’m assuming this is something that needs to be done at a clinic, vs. on the track?

One thing I’m considering is asking the trainer to have it done…would they be able to get it done for a cheaper price? (I would obviously pay for the mare first/agree to pay a certain price/something.)

[maunder]

A friend had a chip operation done on her OTTB and it was a couple thousand, done at Cornell.

[judybigredpony]

Start @ $1800. and about 48-72 hours from drop off to pick-up from clinic…add in the stall rest Adequan and lay-up time the horse and joint deserve you are looking @ conservatively 6 months. I know others will say less and you can swin horse as well but I am conservative and believe the horse deserves the time if its not going back to race.

[Acertainsmile]

I would call the closest Equine Surgeon in the area, or ask the trainer who he uses and inquire about the price, that will help you make your decision.

[Chall]

Mine cost $1000 plus anesthesia, about 20 years ago. It was done at the racetrack, and I got to watch. Fascinating to watch, and I since it was done at Aqueduct the vet was very experienced, cheap (I thought) and cheerful. The assistant vet got very emotional because he said he never got to see horses taken care of just for pleasure.
Our chip was in the 1 (or 3rd phalanx) and recovery was supposed to be 6 weeks stall rest, then gradual hand walking. I don’t think it was 6 months total though, but it’s a different location than the knee.

[Barbara_L]

The cost ranges from about $2,000 to $3,500. I don’t think a trainer would get it cheaper–you might be able to though if the mare was considered a rescue. We have had plenty of horses go through arthroscopic surgery, and I’d say 4 months at least before full use, probably more. BUT the plus is, that usually it can make a horse full use, with little arthritic issues afterward.

[Acertainsmile]

[QUOTE=Chall;5762021]
Mine cost $1000 plus anesthesia, about 20 years ago. It was done at the racetrack, and I got to watch. Fascinating to watch, and I since it was done at Aqueduct the vet was very experienced, cheap (I thought) and cheerful. The assistant vet got very emotional because he said he never got to see horses taken care of just for pleasure.
Our chip was in the 1 (or 3rd phalanx) and recovery was supposed to be 6 weeks stall rest, then gradual hand walking. I don’t think it was 6 months total though, but it’s a different location than the knee.[/QUOTE]

I’m very surprised it was done at the track! The first surgery I ever got to watch was done by Dr. Reed in 1983 at his clinic up there.

[spooky01]

Hee Hee, I think I know which horse she is!! She is right next to me. I will ask the vets here if you would like?

FWIW, It would probally be worth the cost, she’s a nice mare and gorgeous to boot. I love her uniqueness (sp?)

[jenarby]

Around here they are roughly $1500-$3000 depending on where they are and how much “clean up” needs to be done to the joint. We had one done that took 4 months recovery time. The other was close to the same. Stall rest, bending and flexing the joint, ice, and then eventually hand walking. Both horses came sound and have had no other issues. The deal is to get it done asap before the joint is ruined by the chips.

[hastyrebeljane]

I had one done last year at Harrison Equine in Berryville VA. $1200.Couple weeks stallrest, handwalking, about 2-4 months back to light training. Very good results. After 3 3rds, a 2nd then she won! No lameness issues thus far.

[witherbee]

We did one this spring - I think all told it came to $2500 or so. Was no damage to the cartiledge or joint thank goodness and he’s back in training. High hopes that he stays with his last form! Good luck and I hope you are able to get her!

[Iron_Horse_Farm]

I had a horse done last year - both fetlocks $1700 total (would have been 1400 for one side). I think 2 weeks of stall rest ande then hand walking. It would have been even less had it been floating. Mine turned out great as well.