Hole in Tendon update with pics

[Llwyncwn]

Thought you might like to hear the latest regarding Cassy's looming operation to cut her annular ligament and have stem cell implants into the hole in her superficial flexor tendon.

I managed to speak with the vet on Saturday who has eased my worries (a little). The operation will be carried out at our clinic in Wales by one of the partners at Willersley and will take no more than an hour using an Artherscope, so it will be keyhole surgery. The general anaesthetic will be lighter than that of a serious colic surgery etc.

Here are some pics of her tendon (near side) and you can also see that the offside is begining to get puffy too - hope this is just through compensation. The offside was scanned also but nothing was found in that leg.

Here is a full view of the patient, Cassy

Now the tendons ...

You can see how swollen the annular ligament is. It should be around 4mm from the tendon to the skin but this is 5.9mm.

I have had her shoes taken off as my vet requested but surely having shoes on would give her support after the operation???

Advice, comments and suggestions welcome.

 

[Maisy]

*ouch*

....that isnt much use is it!?

 

[Llwyncwn]

Not much use, but I recognise the sympathy in your tone

 

[cellie]

Having the shoes off is for her safety and the vets during and post surgery.My horse had his off for hock spavin surgery jan its standard practice.
Good luck with op and tendon recovery ,I had tendon injury last Aug and had all clear so keep positive.

 

[catembi]

Hope it all goes well. She is lovely!

 

[star]

we never do a GA in a horse with shoes on - they're more danger in recovery. the recovery is the scariest bit.

my horse had his annular ligaments cut in 2006. they were massively swollen, his left one was huuuuge. he didnt have any underlying tendon pathology, just a primary annular ligament desmitis. i cant remember exactly but i think his annular ligament was something like 9mm in his left hind!!! he did come sound post-op but re-injured it in the field 6mths later and i decided to turn him away rather than re-op aged 21. he's paddock sound now, but still lame ridden.

this was his left hind:


and this his right hind:



both legs:

 

[pencaedu]

Hi

When is she going in for the opp i didn't realise how low the hole in the tendon was, im sure the other leg will be fine after the opp on KD i bought boots that go under the fetlock for more support on both legs its the ones i usually work her in now still and compete her in, i'll bring them up for you to see if u want.

Hope cass is okay in her self, KD may be going spare soon.

 

[chestnutcob]

Good luck with the operation my horse had his shoes taken off for his op, it was a good job as when he came round he managed to stand on his willy (ouch !)
When I collected him it was huge !! (his willy not his leg !)
Anyway hes recovered now and I'm taking him to do a M & M workers this weekend!
My thoughts are with you both xx

 

[SOB]

Good luck. My lad is on box rest with damage to the same tendon at the moment so my sincerest vibes for you both.

 

[Llwyncwn]

Thanks everyone for your replies and good vibes

A week on and Im still waiting for the vets to arrange an appointment. Will post an update when she goes in as I will be begging for healing vibes from you all!