PSD related questions

[Daisyrae]

My horse has been tentatively diagnosed with PSD— had a lameness exam and was reactive to palpation in that area. I haven’t been able to get her in to the vet for further diagnostics due to weather, and my work schedule. The vet said “Don’t ride her, no need to make it worse,” but nothing about turn out, so she has been going out until this past week when get received a dump of snow.

I am happy to hand walk her to get her moving a bit while she is stall bound, but my question is can i lightly lunge (if she’s quiet, w/t)? I don’t want her to get nutty in turn out once she finally gets out there, which is why I’d be interested in a bit more than hand walking.

I’m also paranoid that if I don’t get her a bone scan soon or continue to keep her in light work, then nothing with show on the scan. Has this happened to anyone? This has been a long time issue that is just now being diagnosed by someone so I don’t want it to disappear now that she’s been out of work.

PS: yes i read the entire PSD thread on eventing that’s like 20 pages long.

[findthedistance]

My mare is currently being treated for PSD (front leg). My marching orders are for her to be QUIET, by whatever means necessary. Fortunately ace is enough to take the edge off. Walking (doing a mix of ride, long-line, handwalk) on firm, fairly level footing, straight lines and wide, sweeping turns only. She was getting solo turnout in a small rehab paddock until the snow. Now she’s stallbound. I wouldn’t lunge unless specifically directed to do so by your vet.

Our diagnosis was made via blocking and ultrasound. I did ride her a couple times the week leading up to the appointment to keep tabs – her level of soundness had been in flux, but she had been out of work for more than a month prior to that due to persistent NQR turned lameness. As always, YMMV.

[Daisyrae]

Thanks. I didn’t lunge, I was just worried about her going out after several days and having slippery conditions (and being wild). She got a little ace to go out this morning (which she usually blows right through) and I haven’t heard from the BM so I assume all is well. Hopefully I can get her in to get scanned this next two weeks and get started on a treatment plan.

[gumtree]

A bone scan aka Nuclear Scintigraphy is generally of little value for soft tissue issues. Unless there is reason to think otherwise.

From a AAEP article on the subject;

“Nuclear scintigraphy is generally unnecessary for diagnosis if good quality ultrasonographic images are obtained, but it may add information about secondary bony changes”

US is what you want done if it hasn’t already been done. When done by an US specialist not a general practitioner it will/should tell/show the exact location and size of the "tear’. This will give you an idea of what you are dealing with and how to go about re-habing.

As with all tendon/ligament injuries stall rest, limited/controlled turn out after. IMO and experience the footing should always be ideal. Good to on the firm/hard side of things. Never soft, boggy or slippery.

There are a number of new/experimental treatments available. None have proven highly effective at this time. IME and from what I have read.

I generally give any horse with a tendon or especially ligament issues a lot of time off. Like a year. IMO and experience only use a specialist for these things. If one is available.