sizz
Well-Known Member
If the horse has a fracture of its pelvis or hip, it would be extremely lame. It is impossible to xray the pelvis of a horse unless it is upside down under GA because the muscle mass over the pelvis is too great to obtain xrays which is why they have to be upside down, as the muscle mass is a lot less underneath the pelvis. Now that nuclear scintigraghy is used this is the diagnostic tool that is used for horses with suspected pelvic fractures and also ultrasound can sometimes pick up fractures, but the images are not great due the amount of muscle. Rectal examinations are also used. X ray under GA is hardly ever used any more, as it is conra indicated for horses with suspected pelvic fractures as they could be worstened on recovery.I wasnt going to post but after reading some of the replies from the OP i cant keep quiet any longer, for a pelvic fracture/hip fracture there doesnt need to be heat in the lower part of the leg, also the vet through palpation over the pelvic musculature will be able to see if there is resistance or pain, he/she would then xray/scan which may not show a callous for a good few days and then xray/scan again and a callous would show up, in the meantime the vet would suggest box rest, stable bandage and possibly no bute if the horse does not appear to be in pain as this could give an incorrect diagnosis. PLEASE call a vet otherwise you are causing your horse unnecessary suffering which could be construed as abuse. Good luck!!