Fractured pelvis - prognosis?

PolarSkye

PolarSkye

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Hi - as a caveat, I'll just say that I know this is really a question for a qualified vet . . . but . . .

A horse I know, love and used to ride was apparently found lying in his stable - he'd fallen over and fractured his pelvis. He is now 22 and his previously hard life and dodgy conformation means he siezes up if not worked - he also gets horrible thrush. Lastly, he doesn't winter particularly well - didn't look at all good before he got to the spring grass this year. Apparently he has to be cross-tied for 6 weeks. I am very surprised he wasn't PTS, but I know and rate the vet and know the owners so I'm sure they're doing what's in his best interest.

What do you reckon the prognosis is for this chap, though? Obviously the owners are hopeful he can recover enough to go back to gentle hacking . . . but has anyone had a similar experience and, if so, how did it go?

Thx

P
 
On the whole pelvis fractures heal well - I bought a horse with one in the Spring! He fractured his racing about 3 years ago and is hunting etc. fine. BUT I would have to say I would not put a 22 year old through this particularly given his history. I think the owners are just being selfish and not considering the poor horse at all.
 
Ditto the above Im afraid. If he already seizes up behind in winter then its not nlikely that he will have extreme difficulty rising in the field once the fracture is healed. In general pelvic fractues can heal really really well, but in an older horse mobility is a huge factor. Also IMO coss tying a horse for thatlength of time at that age is not in the best interest of the horse. Just my opinion though.
 
To me it would depend on how bad the fracture was. A small hairline fracture I wouldn't be overly worried about as they come back practically 100%. If it's split then I would PTS. Having dealt with both types and having sucessfully healed both these were all young, fit racehorses I wouldn't necessarily give up.

I'm all for trying everything to patch them up to be field ornaments or gentle hacks but in this lads case I would take each day as it comes and the day he isn't coping I would say enough is enough. Sorry.
 
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