Broken pedal bone in one year old

[Pottermouse]

Hi, any advice greatly received before I have to make the ultimate decision .

Large baby was born with bent legs a year ago which were treated (vet advice) with fortnightly trimming starting at 4 weeks old up to 4 months, then graduating to the normal 5 - 6 week trims. Put on flat ground for first 6 months. Foal (intermittently) unsound, although never nodding lame, farrier (& me) put it down to changes taking place in legs and trims. One foot was changing shape with ridges not forming properly. His brother was put in with him at 6 months (playing like mad) he was weaned at 11 months. However over the last 8 weeks he has grown fast and the lameness got worse and decided to get xrays . . . . Vet could not believe the xray was of his foot. Old broken pedal bone injury into the coffin joint. Prognosis is osteoarthritis (starting already), permanent progressive lameness, permanent painkillers/ nerve block, starting with plaster cast, 4/5 months box rest. Or RIP. All my horses are on broad spec vit & minerals, inc calcium, selenium & Vit C.

Showed xrays to friends (Hospital Matron & a Physiotherapist)who have different advice. One is that there is no realistic hope, the other is pump him full of MSM Glucosamine & calcium and turn him out. (human hip / knee replacements have to exercise within days of op to minimise risk of osteoarthritis & best joint health).

Personally I dont like the look of the deformed & holy pedal bone or the joint surface but am going to try & I have ordered the extra supplements to load him up, i’ve put him alone in his own flat paddock to stop his mad gallops and playing.

AM I DOING THE RIGHT THING ???????? or just prolonging the inevitable.

He is Such a nice person.

 

[cptrayes]

Is he in pain?

Yes - put him down.

Are you prepared to keep him for the rest of his life as a paddock ornament?

No - put him down.

There is surely no prospect of a horse with an old coffin bone break in shreds like his is ever coming sound?


I'm sorry about the situation you are in, but yes, you are just prolonging the inevitable as far as I can see

 

[MrsMozart]

Ouch.

What a bobber.

Instinct says put to sleep.

Heart says, if the pain can be managed and isn't going to cause other problems, give him a chance. Given his age and that you're on the case with supplements.

Looking at the X-rays remind me of my compressed vertebra. Calcium supplements made a difference.

But, bear in mind that I do tend to go with my heart (so long as pain is managed, etc.), so I'm probably not one of the best people to have answered.

 

[Elsbells]

I looked at this, this morning(at work today)and didn't know what to say as it's so sad and I really feel for you.

He has such a cute little face and looks such a sweetheart, which makes it so hard given that he's only a baby too.

Even so..........It would break my heart, but I'm sure I would have to put him down.

 

[SusieT]

What did th vet say? Human matron/physio are really no use in this case as it is a totally different scenario to humans. I'd be inclined to say with the history and the fact he is significantly unsound, PTS would be high up my list as it is obviously not functioning normally for him. Would a cast improve it or not? Is it worth giving the casting a go to see if you can get everything to fuse? Even then is he going to have a decent quality of life for the next 30-40years with you being able to retain ownership of him (regardless of if he goes on loan as a companion or not?)

 

[AmyMay]

Agree with cptrayes I'm afraid.

 

[misst]

Bless him. I am absolutely no expert in horses xrays (know a fair bit about humans) but that really made me wince.
I would guess he is in pain and has a lifetime of discomfort ahead. If it is in your power to spare him this then I think, after a chat with your vet to confirm that there is nothing else to do, you should PTS. I would be inclined to listen to a vet on this rather than people hoping to help who have less experience.
So sorry for you and him.

 

[Charlie77]

So Sad but my now 17 yo has arthrit of the coffin joint, over the past 2 years he has got worse this summer he is on 2 bute a day to kkep him field sound, i know i have to do right by him, but reading your story bought it home x

 

[Maesfen]

Agree with CPTrayes and Amy, I'm sorry.

Foal is never likely to lead a normal useful life and likely to suffer when the ground turns against him so prolonging it is extremely unfair on him.
FWIW, I was given a yearling with very similar feet as its last chance. Very well bred TB, should have been racing. We too, took x-rays, had the best advice, went down the supplement route as well but she was crippled lame every other day; I was loathe to put her down, she was a very sweet and pretty filly but it wasn't fair in the long run.