Annular ligament surgery and recovery

[valentine]

Hi all my Shetland recently had surgery on his annular ligament (2 mths ago). It was a bit complicated as some very small tears in tendons which was repaired. However he is still lame especially when he has been stood still for periods of time. Vet now says he has adhesions and needs steroid injections? Anyone got experience of any of the issues I’ve had? Just worried about the risks of laminitis 😔 would really appreciate any experience anyone has had. Thanks 🙏

 

[Christmas Crumpet]

Mine had a couple of steroid injections after her surgery which really helped to get the swelling down and therefore helped the lameness

 

[meleeka]

Mine had a high dose of Bute for a week to bring the swelling down.

 

[Sussexbythesea]

My WB had annular ligament surgery on both hinds and platelet rich plasma therapy on a lesion on his distal sesamoidian ligament at the same time. He had steroid injections about 5 months afterwards when he'd been back in work for a couple of months but wasn't noticeably lame. That was nearly 3 years ago. He's 22 going on 23 now and regularly light hacking.

Although there is a risk I think it is less if it is a localised injection rather than systemic.

 

[dotty1]

My mare had her annular ligament cut at beginning of October. She was a nightmare on box rest so had stable size pen turnout instead. She was still lame at her 6 week review and is being seen again after another 4 weeks rest in small paddock. Will be steroid injection next to settle the inflammation. The leg looks good though. It is a worry but without the injection if she does come sound will probably take a long time.
Her mother did her annular ligament and had 2 x steroid injections and came back sound with no problems( surgery wasn't an option as not insured). She is a hairy cob and was ok. Laminitis a risk, its whether to take it or not I suppose.
Seems to be a very common operation these days

 

[Marigold4]

My mare had this surgery in August. Steroid injections were recommended after 8 weeks and her fetlock and back of pastern were still swollen then. Decided against injections because of laminitis risk. I'm giving it time instead. Now, 14 weeks on from op, swelling has reduced considerably. I start riding her this weekend and will do work on flat surfaces and only straight lines for 4 months. If not sound after that, I will consider the injections as last resort, having hopefully got some weight off her over the winter. But I'm lucky enough to have had another horse to ride - time approach not for everyone.