Proximal Suspensory Surgery Advice - Updates at end

[quietann]

Moosie, I had a bit of a scare with Feronia in October when she all of a sudden, right in front of a dressage judge at a barn schooling show, went dead lame on her right front. After a lot of poking around by the vet, hassle, money etc. I did something that I should have done ages ago: changed farriers! I’d been pretty unhappy with what the old guy was doing (Feronia has pretty bad front leg conformation and needs what might be called “supportive farriery.” The old farrier didn’t like it when I – and my vet, with whom he has some sort of feud – questioned his work. And so… he made things WORSE instead of BETTER! I am not the first person he’s done this to, as it turns out. But I have friends who’ve used him for years with no trouble.)

The new guy turned his schedule inside out to come to the barn at the same time as the vet. They consulted together, he found really nasty sole bruising on that hoof, and caught something on an X-ray that turned out to be a very slight rotation in the RF. Repeat X-rays showed that it’s probably old (she had what was probably very mild laminitis a couple of years ago). So she’s now being treated as an “at risk for laminitis” horse, which isn’t surprising given that she’s a middle-aged Morgan.

Anyway… she is now back in full work. I haven’t jumped her yet, and may not go back to it… In the last jumping lesson before the lameness, she had some issues that were probably related to the not-yet-discovered bruising. But we’re heading for our first trail ride in many weeks this Sunday, I’m taking lessons on her, and she’s as sound as she ever is. Winter makes her creaky, but with a good long warm-up she’s fine.

(Also… I decided, while not riding her, that we’re done with competing. I just wasn’t enjoying it enough, and was putting myself under enormous pressure and spending a lot of money for “eh” results. She’s an enjoyable horse no matter what we’re doing. Pressure off also means I don’t feel guilty for “interrupting her training/conditioning” if a ride turns into a long amble around the fields, or riding bareback, or whatever.)

Two photos of the Princess:

before the new farrier got to her: https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Wy92XDpbwKU/UIvqZOrZpVI/AAAAAAAAALk/rd789X68mgw/s800/left_side_small1.jpg

such a pretty face: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XaxUsjLG36A/UIvqeeJ7jEI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/Sh09PyMniY4/s800/portrait_small.jpg

[merrygoround]

Ahem Moosie!! Where is your update?

Our jury is still out! Ultrasound due in 10 days or so.

Annie! I so understand your giving up showing. sometimes it’s a lotta work for so little to show. Otherwise, those darned Morgans are CUTE.!!!Also! dealing with farriers is always a challenge. Great that you have one now that is open minded.

[quietann]

Vicarious, you must be holding your breath, waiting. I hope the news is good!

Feronia’s breeders really wanted her shown, but all the soundness issues, my training issues etc. means it is not to be. But they know she has a good home for life with me. And several of her sire’s other offspring are doing very well at low level eventing… and one just made his 4th level dressage debut and scored 65%! Yes, Morgans are SO FREAKING CUTE! It’s why we put up with them when they outsmart us…

[moosie]

Quietann she is seriously princess like and beautifull - farriers can be a nightmare (if you can get one in the first place - and then IF they turn up when they say theyre going to …or ever.!!) Vicarious I so know the feeling…scan impending…so hope its good.
My update is a bit crazy really. (we did rather a “stupid” - depending on how you look at it - thing!)
Off she went to stay with her intended…obviously wasnt going to stand for a natural covering (made it pretty clear) BUT the regime is pretty good for the leg.My friend has a large indoor shed divided into big pens (they double up in them in winter) and the Orange one has had the run of the shed with a Feb colt (gelded!) for company. Theory being that she will march around but not be tempted to have a hooley. Seems to have been working.
So she came into season, scanned, all as it should be, so packed off with him to local AI centre for “as fresh as it could be” insemnation!..didnt take …booo (cervix tight apparently).
So gave up on the foal plan really.
Then, end of Oct the contrary madam came back into season, ran up to him and practically begged him for it (he was in his pen!!!) We decided…“what the hell, she prob wont take anyway” and the deed was done.
Ahem ahem… now scanned in foal (heartbeat etc!!!)…eeek…that means foal end of Sept next year. Not a good time for a little baby to enter the world. And of course Im now worried sick as to what might go wrong!!!
They also scanned the leg and the injury sites are thickened, there is the “ghost” of an injury still apparent (so still healing) but vet sees no reason not to ride her (quietly) in foal when she comes home.
We are going to leave her on her present routine, which is working well, till shes past the 100 day stage.Then she will come home when we can arrange it.
So this routine seems to have worked well for us…lots of wandering around on firm footing but no “controlled exercise” as such.NO stanking around either…bit of trotting at times but constant gentle movement whilst minimising the risk of real explosions.
At the moment I think I will ride her till she gets too fat (if she hangs on to the baby) as I feel it will strengthen everything up (inluding the leg)
But already worried sick about the foaling…
cant get the smilies to work…just as well or there wouldbe millions of them dotted around this post!
Sorry its a bit long !!!
ps vet thinks no reason not to bring her back into regular work - at what level remains to be seen. Not counting any chickens either atm but hoping, hoping, hoping xxxxx

[merrygoround]

Gret news!

Moosie, you certainly have had an adventurous summer and fall. What’s the saying" The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men gang aft agley"!!! :lol: Any time you include a mare in your plans you are just begging for trouble. Depending on your climate there, the foal will do well despite the late arrival. I think you are more inclined to a milder winter. Does your grass hold throughout the winter? The most important thing in my book is to be able to get the babies out to romp without risk to life and limb. And momma will do fine being ridden til she’s too wide to get your leg on.

Do keep us posted.

Now we need kiwifruit to pipe up!!

[moosie]

Vicarious its not dreadfully cold here during winter…but its horribly wet :eek:. And the Orange Princess doesnt “do” rain or strong winds :eek: (both of which we have in great abundance.) She likes her stable when the great outdoors is inhospitable!!! However I do have the means to provide a set up which will be acceptable to her!!! And there are foal rugs :)(she is a very pampered princess Im afraid ) She loves to work, needs a job (which Im hoping is to raise a baby - probably to expect the same standards of pampering and pandering that she does lol!!!)and has a very strong view of what is “appropriate”!!!
I really think the re-injury was caused by the adhesions which had formed in the suspensory branch. The holes which we found have now filled in … :)Im going to ask about the fibre pattern when I can - it wasnt my vet who scanned her but a vet from a bigger and very well respected practice (where shes living atm is aout 300 miles away … :eek:)
If a healthy baby and healthy mare do result eventually Im well aware of the trials to come :):):). However the mare is one who I would love to reproduce exactly as she is.The stallion is one who I would take home in an instant… :). Ive done 200 competitive miles on him this season… he can be a bit idle (well thats blokes for you!!) but so far hes done the speeds, excellent HR and recovery, and 100% pass rate. His dressage is not at all bad, hes doing basic SJ (only 3 foot but my friends daughter who is riding him has only just started competing him and is only 13 -shes just grown out of her 12.2pony). We are hoping to upgrade him next season to FEI level for endurance. So its def not a case of “just breeding a foal because the mare is injured”!!!
However the baby will be…orange!!!..no doubt at all about that :lol:
Sorry - all this is fairly “off topic” again but who cares :lol:
When I thought it couldbe an August foal I was day dreaming and thinking of names… “Augustus Pacificus” or" Augusta Pacifica" were on the list…:lol:
Sept/Oct foal… back to the drawing board…:winkgrin:
Day dreaming over…first keep leg on the healing route…and keep the baby and the Princess safe xxxxxx
As you say, we need more updates now and, hopefully, some happy stories :yes:

[kiwifruit]

Hey I’m here. Decided to take a break from horses and riding. Just too much stress that was affecting my life, marriage, job etc. I brought my guy home to hang with my older retired event horse in a flat pasture on 24 hour turnout. He looks pretty good when he trots up at feed time but I’m not gonna do anything till early spring. He would then be 17 months post surgery. My vet thought he just needs more time but either way I’m good with what I have. I did buy an OTTB this spring and bred her to Capital III. What was I thinking??? So yeah gonna be a crazy spring. Glad everyone is doing well. I really appreciate the support. This injury really sucks!

[merrygoround]

Progress, I hope!

For those who need some good news!! We are on our way again. Beginning the endless trots. This time we will progress more slowly, I think. I can just hope it proceeds peacefully. I can live without hiccoughs!!!

So Kiwi, that extra time may pay off.

Moosie! Carry on!

Quietanne. Thanks for the good thoughts!

[bornfreenowexpensive]

[QUOTE=kiwifruit;6619776]
I’d thought I would update my horses progress since it has been a year since surgery. Unfortunately I think my guy is going to be the 20 percent who don’t get better with rest and the surgery. I would have to say he is worse now than before the surgery. He was getting better until the 9-10th month mark when I introduced canter and he has not been right since. Recent ultrasound shows healing of the hind suspensory but lots of scar tissue. We then blocked him to the suspensory again and he went amazingly sound. Vet suggested that I retire him to something easy like trail riding. Yeah, so I’m not sure if I would recommend the surgery now. Before I was managing it with rest, shoeing and anti-inflammatories which is a PIA but at least he was in work. In a last ditch effort, I pulled all his shoes and turned him out 24/7 in a field till spring. Sad because he is a lovely horse that is only 13 years of age. Oh well, someone has to be in the 20 percent:([/QUOTE]

I have one as well. Kicked him out 24/7 a couple of months ago. He had his surgery almost a year ago…but his suspensories are just one of his issues and they were very chronic looking. Hopefully he will come back and be able to do some lower level stuff but we will see. For my own sanity…I’m not even looking at him until spring.

[moosie]

:D:D:D Vicarious - trotting is indeed progress and a helluva lot better for both of you (both in mind and body lol :winkgrin:)
we have decided to leave the Orange Princess on her present routine for a bit longer - certainly till she is over the 100 day stage. For whatever reason it appears the leg is healing according to the book :). Thickened around the injury sites but only very faint shadows showing where the injuries were (havent seen the scan but my friend has). Vet says no reason not to ride her a bit when she comes home as will help strengthen her up ready for baby time (if she hangs on to it of course!!!) Not knitting bootees just yet …

[dbamford]

Hi, all. Just a quick update about my guy, Venture. We have still be competing, so far, so good. Actually thinking to move up to Novice and all seems well. His only lingering weird behavior is hitching for his left to right lead change, meaning popping his hip up. Does not rush, does not act like it bothers him, everyone seems to think its just his learned behavior now. So I ignore it!
Quietanne, we too switched to a new farrier, and the improvements overall have been astonishing! Less sore hocks, no tripping up front, and no forging! Wishing you all continued happy healing, and for those who are still in the surgery/recovery portion, jingles!

[dbamford]

Just a follow up on Venture. Had someone come and complete some massage and acupressure (we finally had someone move into the area again with the skills!). She feels that Venture is a bit out on the right side SI. So…that would make sense for some lingering minor issues, he is responding well to the body work, so hopefully we will continue forward. All the best to everyone!

[Calamber]

Congratulations on this long journey, your stick-to-itivenes?,
and your thoughtful loving care of this horse. Much success!

[Dubarry]

Hey Hey!

Just wanted to check in on everyone!

I haven’t posted in a while because I’ve been too busy! (and slightly depressed). The big red horse did not come back like we thought and has been on a year of turn out. Bone chip is really aggravating the suspensory. He will be re-evlauted in May.

Mr. Dubarry is now officially Mr. He continues to support spending money on the horse who is unemployed.

I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s progress and hope my outcome looks a bit better in a few months! There’s still hope!

[merrygoround]

A note in passing. My horse is sound. At least it looks that way. But I am unsound, so it’s back to what I hope is quiet turn out.

[quietann]

[QUOTE=vicarious;6858417]
A note in passing. My horse is sound. At least it looks that way. But I am unsound, so it’s back to what I hope is quiet turn out.[/QUOTE]

Shoot, that isn’t good. Did I miss what happened?

Feronia’s doing OK; she is NOT happy with the cold/snow though and has become very stiff. She’s on robaxin, hopefully temporarily, until the weather is warmer.

I’m noodling around on her, still taking lessons, no jumping. And really hope that all this winter stuff goes away soon so we can trail ride again, because we both are so DONE with the indoor. There has been too much melting/refreezing and it’s just way too icy out there right now.

[moosie]

Vicarious sorry to hear you are unsound… know the feeling having been dumped from visitng youngster a couple of times lately (he is rather large so you have plenty of time to contemplate “on the way down”:o)
However the Princess is home:D - hopefully still pregnant! She has a big hay belly and no muscle on her quarters due to a winter of inactivity in the large barn (helped the suspensory though ) Scan shows good healing with no shadows, lesions etc but thickening at injury sites (think this is fairly normal?) The fibres on the outer branch injury arent quite as well aligned as they should be but vet feels that walking will sort this out. So we are road walking u/s 25 - 30 mins per day atm which I hope will start to put a bit of muscle back on too. She is disgusted - would like to do faaaaaaar more!!! Planning to do 6 weeks walking and then some trot etc till she tells me the baby wants her to stop. Baby isnt due till end of Sept. I hope Im doing the right thing by riding her but it makes sense to get some core fitness on her and not planning on allowing her to do anything too exciting.Better this than loopy hooleys in the field due to boredom and frustration . Shes a horse who is always much more “settled” when in regular work (but shes never been pregnant before!)
So thats my update, really hoping things stay good for everyone- winter is soooo nearly over…

[kiwifruit]

okay. Gonna try one more time to bring my horse back after this injury once again. Yeah I know, I’m a glutton for punishment and disappointment. He is 17 months post surgery and almost 6 months into 24/7 turnout. He looks great at liberty! I plan to move him to my friend’s boarding facility to leg him up and see if he will hold together. My question is at my place his field is very flat. My friend has a flat field but it is smaller than my 5 acre turnout situation. She has a bigger field but it is on a moderate hill. He will continue to be on 24/7 turnout at friend’s place. Should I just throw him in the big field with the hill and see if he holds or should I try to leg him up first a bit and keep him in flat field for awhile? Vet thought hill field would be fine since he’s been on 24/7 turnout. Even said I can skip walk only phase of rehab and go right to 1 minute trots since he is on 24/7 turnout. Any thoughts?

[merrygoround]

Since my latest turn out has been in a field with a small hill, just big enough to hide a horse, and we survived it. I’d say go for the hill.

Of course you don’t want to listen to me when enthusiastic trotting occurs in a muddy section of the field. :no:

And I hope it works for you.

[kiwifruit]

Thanks Vicarious. I’m leaning toward the bigger field with hill too. At this point, I have not much to lose. He will either be fine or not. And I’m okay with it. Glad to see your guy is better. And sorry about you! I am so over this injury!