Have i done the right thing ?!! PSD

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TJ2010

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As some of you may remember my boy had an op for his pulled suspensory ligament.
The instructions from the vet were. 2 weeks STRICT box rest. Then another 5 weeks being out throughout the day in a paddock no bigger than 4 stables.
2 weeks strict box rest. Perfect. 2 weeks in the paddock and stable. Perfect.
It was a month on Saturday since the op and all has healed well and he is back to his normal self. However on Saturday the horses changed fields and he could see them from his stable. Well he got so upset, he was sweating, trying to rear in his stable he was so anxious he was foaming. I took him out and away and just hand grazed him for ages until the other horses came in for the night. He was still so upset. So after seeing how bad he was myself and my YO decided it may be a good idea for him to go out all night with the 4 very old field ponies who can just about walk. So I put him out and regrettably he had a canter for about 2 minutes. Then settled and was grazing and was so so happy. So we have decided to put him out of a night and in during the day as he seems completely happy with this. He was that stressed he was not eating but now seems really relaxed and happy.
Have I done the right thing? I know he should not have been cantering but I think he just had to get it out of his system. I think he would have done more damage being in the stable or in that small turn out paddock (he coudl have easily jumped out or just barged throught the wooden low fencing.

He has had 4 weeks of solid rest so I am hoping that small canter wouldnt have damaged anything??? What do you all think?
 
If the vet said turn out in the day in at night I see no difference reversing it.
Thrashing about a stable in my opinion would to far more damage .They are afer all animals who have a mind of their own and its all very well saying do this or that but sometimes you have to use your own judgsement within reason.
They can canter around a stable!
I think in your shoes I would have done the same.Hope all is well but a happy horse mooching around with some oldies seems to me a better prospect.
 
You can only do your best. My lad had the PSD op and it all went a bit wrong. He ripped his bandages off several times, was bucking in his stable after the op when he was supposed to be quiet and resting, and eventually had to be cross-tied when he should have been starting his gentle exercise as the wounds had broken down, one very badly, following his actions. Adhesions did form, and eventually he was allowed out into paddock the size of 4 stables, where he went beserk constantly, bucking, spinning, galloping flat out for three strides then skidding into fence.

He hasn't come back perfectly sound, but he's rideable and enjoying work and most people can't see that there's anything wrong with him. I was even thinking about jumping him in the autumn this year (18 months after op) as he's looking so good. We've done well at dressage - 66-68% every time out (compared to 58% every time out pre-op).

So even if the worst happens in terms of rehab and care, there is a chance it'll work out alright. I can't imagine the canter will have done your boy any harm, but do try to minimise the chances of it happening again.

Good luck xx
 
Well, my boy hasn't had the op and has been on box rest for 4.5 months. 6 weeks ago he was allowed some turnout in a tiny pen. As I have reported, despite ACP, he had at least 6 explosions over that time - canter pirouettes, bucks and rears!!
He has been rescanned today at the vets and they are very pleased with his progress - the ligament is MUCH improved despite his exertions and he has the choice of all day turnout in a larger area or the start of ridden work :D:D

I am trying to say - yes, it's gutting when they explode but we can only do our best with TB's and hopefully your horse will settle from now on and be fine. Just take it very slowly, it's the best thing for them!!
 
Thanks everyone for your replies. I really appreciate it.

Thank fully! That has been his only outburst. After speaking to my vet she agreed to turn him out throughout the night with the old field ponies (even though its a big field) because he has settled and just wants to eat. Now he comes in during the day and just sleeps!
3 more weeks then we are back to the vets to re scan and see if we can start ridden work (walking) as it will be 8 weeks since the op! Fingers crossed!
 
My pony had the op nearly three years ago now. Like yours, all was well for the two weeks box rest, then I had to start walking him in hand!

Well he tanked off around the village, bucking and farting!!
Took me twenty minutes to catch him. He was still 2/10 lame at this point; I called the vet who said to turn him out and leave him out.
I left him out ( obviulsly I bought him in for checking) for 6 months! I started ridden work after that, gradually building it up.

I don't have him anymore, but he is still in full work including jumping, and no sign of any lameness
 
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