Gutted!

[Flicker]

I just have to share the horrible time I'm having at the moment. I am so worried.
In late-2005, my 12-year old mare was diagnosed with a bone spavin in her off hind. The good news was that the vet said it had nearly fused and to press on with regular flat work and hacking to complete the process. After a worrying time, she seemed to get sorted and in June last year he said we could come off the bute and see how she went. She went from strength to strength and we have even started doing some newcomers dressage and showing. Her behaviour in those classes is another matter, but that will come!!
Well, last week in our lesson, she was definitely stiff on the left rein. My instructor thought it was in her near fore, and she was nodding round the corners, so I gave her the week off. She had been tanking round her new field with some new friends.
Now, this morning I see that she has over-reached in the stable and cut herself open on her near fore, just above the hoof. She is as lame as lame can be.
I am panicking. Could the first lameness be related to the spavin (is she carrying herself funny)?
Is it the injury?
How long should I give the injury to settle before I start worrying about any other possible causes of her lameness?
Is it the bone spavin again?
Please, someone tell me it is going to be ok...

 

[Butterbean]

Sounds like you'v got another of those darn accident / lameness prone horses. I'd say the new lameness isn't necessarily related to the spavin as she's been doing well recently, so probably not carrying herself differently. Would be more worried if she was stiff over her back and/ or the new lameness appeared to be behind (particularly if near hind!). Get the overreach injury healed up then assess her, maybe get vet out for an MOT, or physio to check her back?

Our big 8 yo gelding is in the process of recovering from a spavin - was badly lame for over 6 months last year. He is magnet for lameness, injuries, feet falling apart etc. You name it. So I can sympathise. Bute and some fantastic work by our farrier seems to be helping a lot and he is coming back better than ever. But that doesn't stop him getting kicked in the field or hurting himself as he hoolies round.

Good luck with her & hope all heals soon.

 

[Maesfen]

Don't shoot the messenger but is there any chance last week's 'offness' could have been an abcess/bruising waiting to come out which is what you thought the over reach was?..........................

I said 'don't shoot me!

- but I have known it to happen especially if she had been looning around the field too, easily done. It doesn't sound as if it's related to the hind, I hope not anyway.
Hope she's better soon.

 

[Sparklet]

Smart thinking MFH it certainly could be!

 

[Flicker]

I have actually thought of that, this morning, as she seems just as sore.
To be honest, if it was an abscess, it would be a bit of a relief as at least I know what I'm dealing with.
Thank you guys, for all your support and good advice.
Nice to know we're not alone out there!

 

[SamuelWhiskers]

Hope all goes o.k Flicker, try not to panic too much about being related till the soreness goes and you can check again.

Mine had a nasty cut back in October (in same place as an overeach just above the hoof, off fore) he went as lame as lame, but improved after couple of days, although not completely sound, the vet didn't stitch as thought it would re-open, so we went for the natural healing option. I left it 6 - 8 weeks so it completely heeled, as didn't want it re-opening and back to square 1!

It will heal quick and scab over....hope all is o.k and keep your chin up x