Complete rupture of hind long lateral colloidal tendon

[CMCFARRY]

Hi, all. My 13yo16.3hh WB was just diagnosed with complete rupture of the long lateral colloidal ligament (at his hock) and partial tear of the short colloidal ligament. I've to give shockwave followed by a year off at least, in a small paddock (24' x 64'). My horse was a low level (3') jumper. The vet thinks he *may* get back to light work eventually but pasture sound is the likeliest outcome. To cap it off, he had a minor suspensory tear last year in his foreleg which was successfully rehabbed after 6 months, but because of his size and lack of fitness, he knackered up his stifle during the rehab process, and he always was slightly short in trot afterwards, and I'm thinking that would probably happen here again.

I'm honestly wondering if it's worth putting him (and I) through a year's worth of rehab in a small area (he's also been treated twice for ulcers) for the slim prospect he will come back. If he's likely to have a good outcome, that's another matter. I don't have land - we're at a boarding barn - and I can't afford 2 horses (a retirement pasture here in the CA Bay Area, after board, feed, shoes etc all factored in, I'm looking $500+ a month for the next 10-15 years) so if I kept him, I'd basically be giving up horse ownership, and as I'm 51, time isn't on my side either. People have suggested giving him free as a companion horse, but nobody is going to take on a massive 16.3hh WB who'll eat you out of house and home instead of a pony or QH. I'd also be very skeptical of people who did, I'd hate to see him end up in a worse situation.

Any advice would be appreciated, especially successful rehab stories!

 

[CMCFARRY]

Hi, all. My 13yo16.3hh WB was just diagnosed with complete rupture of the long lateral colloidal ligament (at his hock) and partial tear of the short colloidal ligament. I've to give shockwave followed by a year off at least, in a small paddock (24' x 64'). My horse was a low level (3') jumper. The vet thinks he *may* get back to light work eventually but pasture sound is the likeliest outcome. To cap it off, he had a minor suspensory tear last year in his foreleg which was successfully rehabbed after 6 months, but because of his size and lack of fitness, he knackered up his stifle during the rehab process, and he always was slightly short in trot afterwards, and I'm thinking that would probably happen here again.

I'm honestly wondering if it's worth putting him (and I) through a year's worth of rehab in a small area (he's also been treated twice for ulcers) for the slim prospect he will come back. If he's likely to have a good outcome, that's another matter. I don't have land - we're at a boarding barn - and I can't afford 2 horses (a retirement pasture here in the CA Bay Area, after board, feed, shoes etc all factored in, I'm looking $500+ a month for the next 10-15 years) so if I kept him, I'd basically be giving up horse ownership, and as I'm 51, time isn't on my side either. People have suggested giving him free as a companion horse, but nobody is going to take on a massive 16.3hh WB who'll eat you out of house and home instead of a pony or QH. I'd also be very skeptical of people who did, I'd hate to see him end up in a worse situation.

Any advice would be appreciated, especially successful rehab stories!

I have also no idea how it happened! We were at a 2 day show Sat-Sunday, and he was great. Monday, I handwalked him around the property in case he was stiff, and he was fine. On Tuesday, he was 3 legged lame and his hock was like a balloon. The vet said it could be something as simple as getting up /

 

[CMCFARRY]

I also meant collateral, not colloidal. I'm blaming no breakfast and stress!

 

[EllenJay]

Don't give him away free as a companion - you will have no idea what may happen to him.

You really have two choices, keep him yourself so you can control what happens or PTS. A horse that keeps breaking will not stand a chance as a companion - especially as you yourself says he is expensive to keep

 

[AmyMay]

I’m guessing you’re in the States.

As EJ says, don’t give him away as a companion. I’m in full agreement with her saying either rehab and keep or have him euthanased.

 

[CMCFARRY]

I’m guessing you’re in the States.

As EJ says, don’t give him away as a companion. I’m in full agreement with her saying either rehab and keep or have him euthanased.

You're right, I am (originally from UK though). Yes, giving him away isn't an option for me for that reason, too many horror stories. I guess what I'm really hoping is for someone to tell their story that their horse came back to flatwork even 3-4 days a week with no issue, but the whole bloody thing ruptured. It's not an easy decision. Thanks, guys.

 

[ycbm]

He has had tendon problems in 2 legs, the second very severe, with little or no cause. Rehab last time caused him issues in a joint unrelated to the tendon injury. His best prognosis after a year of severe restriction and rehab is paddock ornament. The worst case is that he has something like ESPA and will break down again.

In your shoes, which I don't envy at all, I would PTS.
.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

So sorry to hear about your horse and the decisions you will have to make. My wb, on reaching 18, had injury after injury. One injury caused another. I rehabbed carefully each time until the fourth time I just thought he is trying to tell me he is done with riding!! At this point he blew a front tendon messing around in the field. I turned him away and kept him as a companion. Luckily my partner agreed to another. He is now a fab companion and has been field sound for 6/7 years.