Dilemma with further steps for horse rehabilitation

[Sophiehorton]

Hi, my boy has been lame on his front right leg and on constant box rest (no walks etc) for over 6 months and still has no improvement. He has had multiple tests and MRI'S and has had the diagnosis of mild desmitis to the medial collateral ligament of the coffin joint, that is affecting the middle 1/3 of the ligament. He was expected to have improved after this period but there has been no change. I am really unsure what to try next. His behaviour and mood has really changed and he seems very depressed and fed up (who can blame him ). The vet has offered the option of further box rest or to potentially try turning him away for a period of time in the field. The farrier said to turn him away but he would have to go back out into his big herd with lots of space and other horses and I fear it may make it worse. If anyone has any experience with something similar, or any advice it would be much appreciated. TIA.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

My personal feelings are that if it hasn't gotten any better after 6 months of purely box rest, odds are slim that it's going to. I couldn't live with keeping my horse in a box for that long/any longer. Therefore my options would be turn away or put to sleep. It's no life for a horse, to me. I don't mean to be doom and gloom, just my thoughts. I've no experience with that exact injury though.

Is it possible to fence off a smaller section just for him, or to make a small field for turning him away? If not at the yard you're at now, maybe somewhere else nearby?

I think turning him away is the best option.


ETA: I can't spell.

 

[TheMule]

I would not subject him to more box rest- I would turn him out for a year and have a look again after that

 

[Goldenstar]

I would turn him away keep his feet well trimmed .

 

[AmyMay]

I would not subject him to more box rest- I would turn him out for a year and have a look again after that

This. Turn him out with his mates and see how he gets on.

Being brutally honest, he may not come right. But it’s at least worth a try. I certainly wouldn’t give him any more box rest.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

As the others, I certainly wouldn't put him through any more box rest. I might look for somewhere more suitable if YO can't accommodate his needs on your current yard but it seems to me that your choices are pts or turn away.

 

[SusieT]

I'd take his shoes out, turn him away for 12 months if field sound. Sounds like rest hasn't improved it, more box rest isn't fair mentally and if it hasn't resolved it may not be likely too - and if its not going to resolve you need to be thinking about retirment options. I wouln't give up until thye've have a good dose of 'father time and mother nautre' ie time, but only so long as he is comfortable and happy in the field

 

[Red-1]

I am another who would turn away for 12 months, if you like him enough to spend the time and trouble. I would have him barefoot and regularly trimmed. Over this summer, I would merely turn away. Over winter, I would start to lead out in-hand, making sure the feet are meticulously maintained.

That way, this time next year, when the weather fines up and the fields dry up, you can start some ridden work.

 

[doodle]

Yep another who would turnout. The box rest isn’t helping. The field rest might not help but it should make him mentally happier. That is unless he is badly lame in with case you might have to make a horrible decision.