DDFT- What treatment?

[Tamski]

My horse has just been diagnosed with a large hole (50%) in the top of his DDFT in his near hind. So we've now started 6 months box rest but just wanted to know what successes peolple have had with Shockwave Therapy and Stem Cell Treatment.

I'm waiting for my vet to get back to me after speaking to the RVC but wanted to know of any success stories with either?

Also do you think it's worth sticking some magnetic boots on?

Anything else worth trying? Just want to get him happy and back out asap.

Any advice welcome!

 

[RachelB]

I can;t really comment on shockwave/stem cell as there was nothing I could do to help my horse when she tore her DDFT... but as for magnetic boots, when did the injury occur? Cold therapy is essential in the first week or two after the injury, after which you can start thinking about magnets etc. to increase the circulation again. Of course, scientifically static magnets don't do anything but I have found my Bioflow boots invaluable in keeping my horse's leg swellings down - which is in turn helpful in the healing process.
All you can really do with the shockwave/stem cell/etc. is to talk to your vet

 

[glenruby]

50% is a huge deficit im afraid. Stem cell therapy has a reported good efficacy in lesions less than 25% but Im afraid for larger lesions the prognosis isnt sogood.
What did the scans look like? Was the lesion deffise or did you see a black hole in the tendon? Or was it a laceration(speedy-cut that tore through the skin too?)
Stem cell therapy is only of use if there is an actual hole - ie somewhere to put the stem cells into. If its a laceration then occasionally suturing is indicated or otherwise Robert jones bandages and box rest.
PRP or IRAP are worth looking into as alternatives to stem cell therapy. I belive stem cell therapy runs at a cost of roughly 1500euros over here and it takes 3 weeks after harvesting the cells to allow them to grow (they have to be sent back to the company) before inserting hem into the lesion. Im pretty sure its advised to insert them between 4-6wks after the injury occurred so you dont have too long to mull over it. Vetcell ave a website that will provide you with some more info. Google it.

 

[Halfpass]

Tam, is that you with George?
Its me Erika how bizzarre. I nearly asked you if you came on here but was too worried that you would think I was strange!!!!

How is George doing?
Alee is going for her 2nd shockwave on Monday. I have also been wondering about magnetic boots for her so will be interested to see what people say. Keep in touch hon.