Edema in sheath after cross tied

[Lucyad]

Hi, I have posted in this section previously about my horse who is recovering from a fractured tibia. He was on cross ties for 2.5 months at horsepital, and is now on livery for his 1 month box rest with hand walking for 5 minutes 3x a day, building up to 15 minutes 3x a day. He seems to have settled in well, and is enjoying his walks (sometimes a little too much!). He is still very thin, and is never a great eater, but I know his weight will increase as he rebuilds his muscle.

He is still not lying down - he got stuck the first time he lay down in horsepital and had to be hoisted up, and I think this has put him off - he did lie down again and got up before he was discharged, but only for a short time (no-one saw him - working upon evidence!).

He got substantial edema in his chest, belly and sheath while cross tied (low protein levels due to drugs contributed). These have mainly dissipated now, however his sheath is still very slightly swollen and where swollen feels very cold and hard. Has anyone got experience of this? Will it return to normal in time? Will check with vet at next check up, but just wondered....

The vet said that his shoes could not be taken off as have been on for 3 months +, however the farrier at the yard is worried his bone, though fused, might snap, as still weak. Again, I will get my own farrier to speak to my vet, but any experiences of this? What damage could 3 month + shoes be doing to his feet? (given that he has also not moved substantially for this period).

 

[stencilface]

Mine has a hard swelling oedema on his sheath. He first got it while on box rest this year then it went when he was on 24/7 turnout for a few months. He's now back in the stable at night and its returned. I thought sheath oedema was related to high protein in the diet and our hay is very good this year so I've been soaking t a bit to remove some goodness from it. Also he's become very sensitive to being brushed on his flanks. My vet was clueless, but as I said mine did go when he was turned out.

No idea on the shoes sorry

 

[deb_l222]

Hmmm my lad had something similar this year, again while on box rest following hoof surgery but just as I was getting to the point of ringing the vet, it vanished of its own accord.

I'm guessing this is connected to lack of general movement - my lad did have a big barn to go in during the day but he didn't move about a great deal (he just stood there and ate a lot)!!

I have the vet coming this Friday (for something else entirely) and I'm going to mention this to him as my lad's sheath is still quite 'gunky' on occasion and I'm starting to think this may be connected to his diet and general lack of movement - he's turned out again now but not for long periods while it's sooooo wet (I don't want to push my luck with his bionic foot - long story).

Sorry, I don't know with the shoes either.

 

[Goldenstar]

SPeak to your vet about the shoes.
My understanding is that the major part of bone healing is done in the first six weeks .
It won't be doing him any good but as he's not moving much its unlikely to bea disaster however it will need addressing before he starts to move freely again as he wil be weak and will need his foot balance good .
I would just remove the shoes if the vet oks it less stress and quicker .
It might be better to remove them then trim a few days later if it difficult for him to stand .

 

[Lucyad]

Shoes removed fine, by my farrier who knows him well and said he was no bother. He is walking out fine barefoot after a trim, tarmac, hardcore and arena surface. He has always had pretty good feet though. I am sure with the period without shoes and all the walking we will be doing they will get even better. He has lain down now, thankfully, though no-one saw him, but you can tell from his fleece rug that everything sticks to! I thank that the sheath is going down too. Everything looking good!