JFTDWS
Well-Known Member
I currently have a pony on box rest with a cortical fracture of his radius. I was told by my vet in no uncertain terms (I was shocked by how forthright and adamant he was about it) that provided the second series of x-rays (due in a few weeks) show that it has healed and he comes up sound, the pony will be fine to come back into full work. Bear in mind that I am talking about a just turned five year old who the vet in question knows I plan to BD, WHP and event locally... He was very keen to explain that bone injuries, once healed, are as strong, if not stronger than prior to the injury. He described bone as a very honest tissue - whereas tendon and ligament damage rarely heals fully and injuries are likely to recurr, bone is pretty much either damaged beyond any repair or will be fine.
That said, it would depend on the nature of the injury - he also told me of a horse who he had operated on to remove a chip, and discovered the entire radius was like "crazy paving" with numerous hairline fractures. Before taking any chances, I would want to rule out the more unusual instances like this. I also think you need to know more about the type of fracture, as a full, displaced fracture of a radius seems unlikely (not impossible, but I think most displaced fractures of the radius would be pts on the spot as it would be hard to fix)...
I really hope you find out it isn't as severe as you first thought and the vet revises his judgement. Certainly I wouldn't advocate riding him until you know, but I wouldn't panic that his career is necessarily over either Good luck!
That said, it would depend on the nature of the injury - he also told me of a horse who he had operated on to remove a chip, and discovered the entire radius was like "crazy paving" with numerous hairline fractures. Before taking any chances, I would want to rule out the more unusual instances like this. I also think you need to know more about the type of fracture, as a full, displaced fracture of a radius seems unlikely (not impossible, but I think most displaced fractures of the radius would be pts on the spot as it would be hard to fix)...
I really hope you find out it isn't as severe as you first thought and the vet revises his judgement. Certainly I wouldn't advocate riding him until you know, but I wouldn't panic that his career is necessarily over either Good luck!