Getting Splint Bone Calcification Removed?

[TooMuchRebel]

I know this is a vet question, but mine is out of town currently. Anyways, about a year ago my horse fractured her splint bone and it caused an ossification or calcification or whatever on the fracture. Although her lamness after the heal was always intermittent it always bothered me, but not so much her. We’ve been going through cycles of “oh she’s getting back into shape so well” next day crap she’s super lame again". She’s go so much potential and I’d hate to keep her as light riding or pasture pet, she’s only 12. So I’ve opted to look into surgery to get the calcification removed because it irritates her tendon. Have you had this done before with your horse? What was the outcome? Did they go back into normal work? About how much did it cost you? Did you need to go to a special facility or were they able to do it right at the barn (as they did when my horse had her eye removed)? How long was the recovery period? Did they have to remove the entire splint bone or can they just get rid of the calcification)

I know these questions vary by vet and location and situation but I hope to get a general idea (and possibly some questions to ask my vet). My current worry is simply money because i only make (at most) $360 a month and much of that is spent on the feed and care of my animals. Any help/insight is appreciated!

[PrincessPonies]

Had calcification on the hind splint years ago, vet at time thought it was due to an infection. It was very very little. Most of the time she was fine with one day off every now and again. Vet said it was so little he didn’t want to do anything. Told me to make sure any boots or wraps or anything didn’t touch it at all. He also gave a mix of a topical to put on that helped make sure it did bother her while riding. Can’t remember what it was but five years later when we xrayed that spot while dealing with a suspensory injury there was no calcification. Not sure if this helps but hope everything goes well for your horse.

[x-halt-salute]

@TooMuchRebel

Have you had this done before with your horse? What was the outcome? Did they go back into normal work? About how much did it cost you? Did you need to go to a special facility or were they able to do it right at the barn (as they did when my horse had her eye removed)? How long was the recovery period? Did they have to remove the entire splint bone or can they just get rid of the calcification)

I know these questions vary by vet and location and situation but I hope to get a general idea (and possibly some questions to ask my vet). My current worry is simply money because i only make (at most) $360 a month and much of that is spent on the feed and care of my animals. Any help/insight is appreciated!

I haven’t actually had this done (but if you search for old threads you’ll find several on this topic, most of which report pretty good results wrt healing time and return to work).

FWIW though, I have recently consulted with a surgeon about it. I was quoted $3500 as the approximate cost. My preferred vet does 90% of splint bone surgeries under general in a hospital setting, and only an uncomplicated lateral splint bone fracture on an incredibly docile horse would be considered for standing surgery, also in the hospital. For an old fracture that has healed in a way that jeopardizes the soft tissue/causes lameness I would inquire about the possibility of standing surgery (less $ and risk) but prepare myself for a high likelihood that it would require general anaesthesia.

Typically they will only remove bone if the fracture is in the distal portion of the bone - splints don’t really bear weight, but they are involved in the stability of the knee and hock joints, so you can’t remove the whole thing. Usually they remove the portion below the fracture, including any problematic new bone formation. High splint fractures are more difficult to repair, and may have fewer options once you have a large calcification.

Good luck! I hope you get your horse back to 100%. I know how frustrating splint fractures can be!

[joiedevie99]

The first step is an x-ray and ultrasound to see what is really going on in there. This is the kind of thing that has the best results when it’s done as soon as possible after the injury/ligament interference becomes apparent. Your vet should be able to send the x-ray and ultrasound images to his/her recommended surgeon for a consult/cost estimate.