Um ya so that just happened…any one have experience with it?
Are you referring to “sweeny”?
mmmmm or something very similar to sweeney shoulder this was caused by a kick
Google it and you’ll find out more.
Yes, I have experience with sweeney…not my horse but a very close friend’s horse.
Sweeney is often the result of a kick, sometimes running into a post, or even rolling on a rock.
Recovery can vary. That said, the atrophy will set in over time, and remain and there. And there will always and there will be a “dent” in the scapula area where the nerve/muscle is lost-- but whether the horse can ever be ridden again can vary.
Most of the time unless real damage was done (ultrasound?) it’s temporary.
Respectfully, IME, it’s not temporary…not if it is diagnosed as actual “sweeney” where muscle atrophy occurs after a kick or massive trauma to the scapula that results in permanent nerve damage and affects front foot placement
Relatively rare, but it happens.
there is a horse at the barn with Sweeney. Cannot.be.ridden as he does not feel his leg/feet. He is now an outdoor horse because this winter he was petrified of coming into the barn after slipping on ice. He is happy outside, walks, trots but sometimes trips too. This was the result of a kick quite a few years ago. NOT temporary at all.
FI – yes, this can happen. But there are “degrees” of permanent damage.
My friends horse was finally (after a year of stall rest) be able to go on a light hack, but she never trotted him down hill. He was safe as he learned to deal with his disability to ride with caution by the rider.
In his case, after the stall layup he had partial nerve damage (nerves do not regenerate), not full.
But he had this big hunka “dent” right underneath his scapula, from the muscle atrophy around the nerve that fed it.
If a horse gets kicked in the shoulder or has some major trauma, it does not always result in “sweeney”, which is a permanent disability. Takes time to see if that shows up in observing the musculature in the scapula over recovery time.
thanks all, yes my understanding is there are varying degrees…was found and medicated fairly quickly which seemed to restore normal walking by the end of the day…but not counting my chickens until they are deep fried on the plate. No gravy needed.
When they improve that soon the long term outcome is good. My horse was on three legs for weeks, then was able to walk dragging that leg. Lost all the muscle in the shoulder. I tried to rehab him after a couple of years but became dangerous to ride as he would fall down occasionally.
[QUOTE=nu2u;8205469]
thanks all, yes my understanding is there are varying degrees…was found and medicated fairly quickly which seemed to restore normal walking by the end of the day…but not counting my chickens until they are deep fried on the plate. No gravy needed.[/QUOTE]
Glad to hear it! 
If he was walking normally by the end of the day, then I think you are in good shape. I would keep a careful eye out for signs of unresolved damage and atrophy. There are treatments you can do to help with it but they need to be done early to be most effective (electro-stimulation mostly). But, again, if he is walking fine and there are no signs of lingering damage, then you should be fine
My vet had remarkable success on his own horse with electrostimulation of the nerve.
His horse went from dead lame to foxhunting again (as a whip’s horse).
The horse was not responding to any of the more conventional treatments.
[QUOTE=Janet;8205768]
My vet had remarkable success on his own horse with electrostimulation of the nerve.
His horse went from dead lame to foxhunting again (as a whip’s horse).
The horse was not responding to any of the more conventional treatments.[/QUOTE]
I was about to suggest looking into electro-stim.
Thanks all…did ummm MORE than walk in a small turn out this morning…recheck next week. Kinda a love hate relationship with steroids…love how they work hate the side effects.
I had great success with the physio therapist, the muscle stim and massage therapy for the atrophy if you can afford it. Had the massage done once a week.
Agree that immediate improvement is a very good for long term prognosis. Quick and correct treatment makes a huge difference. Have had one turn around quickly and be fine, but another, where treatment was delayed until too late, who wound up terribly, tragically, permanently lame. Jingles for a full recovery for your horse.
[QUOTE=Janet;8205768]
My vet had remarkable success on his own horse with electrostimulation of the nerve.
His horse went from dead lame to foxhunting again (as a whip’s horse).
The horse was not responding to any of the more conventional treatments.[/QUOTE]
Wish that treatment was available WAY back in 1981 for my friend’s horse. It’s nice there is treatment now, other than “stall rest” and hope for the best.
