Kali's recovery diary (I hope)

Oh well, it was worth asking. He's not helping himself - poor chap. You can only do the best you can with the facilities you have and the temperament of your boy. So i can see why you popped him on the walker while you mucked out. It might be the best option when the other stable isn't available.
 
Faracat said:
Oh well, it was worth asking. He's not helping himself - poor chap. You can only do the best you can with the facilities you have and the temperament of your boy. So i can see why you popped him on the walker while you mucked out. It might be the best option when the other stable isn't available.
Click to expand...

No, he doesn't help himself . . . he does settle down once the initial hustle and bustle of the morning is over . . . it's just the hour or so first thing when the others go out and if the barn is nice and quiet (i.e., just me and perhaps K there) getting on with our jobs he settles in the other stable . . . I can't ask everyone else to change their routines to accommodate him - that's just not fair - but he finds it harder/more stressful when there's lots going on.

The other option is to muck out around him - not easy at all - and I certainly wouldn't have been able to do it this morning with him turning himself inside out . . . tomorrow, I might try going up super-early when it's quiet, dosing him with Magic and tying him up in his stable to limit how much he can move and doing my best to muck out round him. Then perhaps I can take him for a little walk in hand (in a bridle) to pick a bit of grass while the others go out . . . there's a nice patch right by the stables/school that isn't too far away from his stable.

P
 
I don't know what to suggest unless there is a retired or another box rest horse on the yard he ould be paired with in a penned off area in a field away from hubbub so he could go out there when the others are turned out keepig some sort of routine he's used to? I would look at giving some gastric/gut support during this stressful time for him if not already.
 
amandap said:
I don't know what to suggest unless there is a retired or another box rest horse on the yard he ould be paired with in a penned off area in a field away from hubbub so he could go out there when the others are turned out keepig some sort of routine he's used to? I would look at giving some gastric/gut support during this stressful time for him if not already.
Click to expand...

The yard is really small, so there really isn't anywhere quiet/away from the others - plus he wouldn't like that anyway. As for feeding him, because he is a tad girthy and can be a box walker, I feed him as though he has ulcers anyway . . . but any additional tips on things I can give him to keep his tummy settled are welcome.

Lastly, am looking into a stable mirror - hopefully that will help in the mornings.

P
 
Day Six

I got up to the yard super early this morning, tied the Idiot Grey up outside his stable/in the barn and mucked out - aside from making one of the mini wives squeal (I think she's coming into season) and managing to get into the feed room for a good rootle round, he was good as gold :). Cold hosed his leg, let him have a pick of grass, put him back, in his stable and he totally lost the plot . . . again. My lovely YO was there and immediately went to fetch Roger, Kal's field-mate while I quickly swept up Frey's stable. Not 30 seconds after Rog was installed, Kal settled :).

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203827442745843&l=8b46033c8c

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203827445145903&l=e0cdc59a73

Bless Roger - he's such a little dude.

When I went back up this afternoon, Kal had obviously been soooo relaxed with Rog next door that he'd laid down to have a little kip - his thermatex was covered in straw and his head was . . . BROWN. Rog was very keen to get back to his field:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203829443435859&l=cd70d19d46

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203829443195853&l=ddcbb6dcbe

. . . and when I turned him out he did a little happy dance :).

Kal had a bath . . . not very impressed when I wouldn't let him roll . . .

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10203829434195628&l=849859758110395557

Meanwhile, I had to muck out Frey's stable (again) and Kal's stable (again). Hosed his leg again, wrapped him up in rugs, re-bandaged his hind legs and put him to bed with his tea.

Think I'll borrow Rog and Frey's stable again tomorrow . . . and roll on Wednesday :).

I'm not taking his shoes off until we've seen the scans (Wednesday) and know what we're dealing with in total.

P
 
No vet :(. Practice manager rang me to say vet had been called away to an emergency and would I mind rescheduling . . . he's coming on Friday morning :(.

Thanks for asking.

P
 
Oh bummer! Its the waiting that's the hard part! Good luck for Friday. Had one of mine scoped today and I had to pass the tube in!!!! Squeemish days are behind me lol! Hope the news on Friday is not too bad x
 
Hetsmum said:
Oh bummer! Its the waiting that's the hard part! Good luck for Friday. Had one of mine scoped today and I had to pass the tube in!!!! Squeemish days are behind me lol! Hope the news on Friday is not too bad x
Click to expand...

You're right . . . it is hard . . . but I have to feel for the owner of the horse Andrew was called way for and so hope he/she is alright.

Kal is on box rest and we've worked out a routine that works, so another couple of days waiting won't kill either of us.

What was the result of the scope? Hope it all went well :).

P
 
PolarSkye said:
You're right . . . it is hard . . . but I have to feel for the owner of the horse Andrew was called way for and so hope he/she is alright.

Kal is on box rest and we've worked out a routine that works, so another couple of days waiting won't kill either of us.

What was the result of the scope? Hope it all went well :).

P
Click to expand...

Its good he's settled into a routine now. I always think the first 3 days are the hardest then they sort of become accepting of the situation?
Scope results back today (hopefully) it was not a clean wash but not horrendous either. He has been coughing/nasal discharging for almost 2 months now and had a nasal swab which showed nothing. We are 4 courses of antibiotics down the line and he's just not 'right'...also lost 40kg in 4 weeks. This is a fatty I try to keep weight off!
Anyway I will keep my fingers crossed for tomorrow and really glad he seems to have settled down a bit. It's such a shame he's a plonker in a very small field paddock or he could be with all the others. He's a lucky horse to have someone willing to do whatever it takes for him.
Oh another tip for box rest is cutting some branches down from edible trees (leaves attached) and hanging up in stable. Mine have loved this and stripped the bark off the branches too.
Best of luck xxx
 
I'm so sorry you were postponed, I was checking all day for an update so can imagine how frustrated you must feel.

You're right about the emergency though, and while none of us want to think about it if the situations were reversed I know where I would want the vet.

So, once again we will cross our fingers and hooves for you for tomorrow and hope for something minor that will repair quickly.
 
Hetsmum said:
Its good he's settled into a routine now. I always think the first 3 days are the hardest then they sort of become accepting of the situation?
Scope results back today (hopefully) it was not a clean wash but not horrendous either. He has been coughing/nasal discharging for almost 2 months now and had a nasal swab which showed nothing. We are 4 courses of antibiotics down the line and he's just not 'right'...also lost 40kg in 4 weeks. This is a fatty I try to keep weight off!
Click to expand...

Oh dear - that doesn't sound good :(. What's the next step? This must be worrying for you . . . fingers crossed you and the vet get to the bottom of things soon!

Anyway I will keep my fingers crossed for tomorrow and really glad he seems to have settled down a bit. It's such a shame he's a plonker in a very small field paddock or he could be with all the others. He's a lucky horse to have someone willing to do whatever it takes for him.
Oh another tip for box rest is cutting some branches down from edible trees (leaves attached) and hanging up in stable. Mine have loved this and stripped the bark off the branches too.
Best of luck xxx
Click to expand...

Erm . . . not so settled today . . . in a proper strop this morning although he did settle once I brought Roger in (who was more than happy to spend the day out of the rain scoffing hay). I really love the idea of cutting down branches - I can hang them up in his stable! The resident swallows might also appreciate them as an additional perch (we have 8 nests in the barn) ;).

P
 
Last edited:
Diddleydoo said:
I'm so sorry you were postponed, I was checking all day for an update so can imagine how frustrated you must feel.

You're right about the emergency though, and while none of us want to think about it if the situations were reversed I know where I would want the vet.

So, once again we will cross our fingers and hooves for you for tomorrow and hope for something minor that will repair quickly.
Click to expand...

Oh bless you and thank you . . . I'll admit I was disappointed (I'd waited a week for the scan/x-ray) but I really did understand that getting the vet to an emergency is much more important. Pops was less than impressed to be in AGAIN today, but he's just going to have to lump it until tomorrow morning (I have no more Magic or sedalin) - if he needs to be box rested further, I will chat to my vet about other ways to manage him.

P
 
Good luck for today!

Mines scope came back with bad bacterial infection. :( 5 days iv antibiotics and a re-scope in 2 weeks. One of his enzimes was low also that can indicate a liver problem but also indicates respiratory problems but vet said get some milk thistle which is good for this. I have faith in my wonderful vets so I am sure all will be ok in the end. It's just a question of time and I know he is getting the best help in the meantime.

I don't know about Kali but if he is a "foody" the other thing for the stable you can try is a log with holes drilled in it (quite big holes) and bits of yummy things stuffed down the holes.........carrots etc. Also a good bark stripping thing!

I think the trouble when they are stressed though is that they won't focus on anything really (a bit like us!) My current ill one was box rested for laminitis 5 years ago. He was in for about 4 months as even with soaked hay and following all vets advice it kept flaring up. He is a very calm chap normally but separated from his friends was too much. Eventually he did settle but totally chilled out when in a pen in their field (once he was allowed off the deep bed). I know Kali won't do this.......it is such a shame!

If only we could explain to them why we are doing it and that it is all for their own good!

Anyway fingers crossed news is good and recovery not too long!

xxx:)
 
PolarSkye said:
Oh bless you and thank you . . . I'll admit I was disappointed (I'd waited a week for the scan/x-ray) but I really did understand that getting the vet to an emergency is much more important. Pops was less than impressed to be in AGAIN today, but he's just going to have to lump it until tomorrow morning (I have no more Magic or sedalin) - if he needs to be box rested further, I will chat to my vet about other ways to manage him.

P
Click to expand...

You've every right to be disappointed, a week is a long time when you are worrying about your horse and have access to Google :eek:

Anyway, good luck and I'll check back later.
 
Post Scans/X-Rays - Diagnosis

Lovely vet arrived this morning (45 minutes early!!!) - he got a hug and a cup of tea :). He had another quick feel/look at the affected leg (off fore) and said he was still getting a reaction when he pressed on the suspensory, but that it was milder than last week.

We moved Pops into the wash room and sedated him and then A (vet) set about x-raying both knees and right fetlock. Where that little lump on the outside of his right knee is we could clearly see trauma to the bone AND the suspensory . . . there is a floating chip of bone and a very jagged/roughened edge. The bone is also bigger when compared to the other knee. There was no damage to the fetlock. The scans (he did both knees/suspensories) corroborated what was seen in the x-rays . . . roughed/enlarged/traumatised bone and thickening/inflammation of the suspensory - but only where it attaches to/is next to the affected bone, the rest of the ligament is smooth and intact.

So - he's obviously had some sort of knock or kick in an unlucky place . . . how he didn't have a mark we don't know, but if he was kicked all three of the likely candidates are shoeless and relatively small so it's possible it was an unfortunately-placed glancing blow.

There is some evidence of calcification as the bone is healing and it's hard to know whether the inflammation in the suspensory is caused by the trauma of the original injury or whether it's where the bone is now pressing on the ligament. Vet thinks the former and that if we can get the inflammation in the suspensory down, it'll all heal well.

So . . . therapy is: field rest (having seen what he's like in his stable, vet feels he'll be better off out - even if he does have the odd moment), shock wave therapy starting next week, cold hosing, bute and (depending on how he heals) steroid injections AROUND the ligament to speed healing (but not INTO the ligament).

Vet is reasonably happy that we can get him sound - and sound enough to return to work - with all the usual caveats. He doesn't want to give me a definitive timescale, but believes that we're possibly looking at two months rest/treatment and then re-scanning and going from there.

So it's not wear and tear, he doesn't have wacking great holes in the ligament, he hasn't done it tear-arsing about in the field . . . I'm still very keen to take his shoes off, but need to think carefully about WHEN to do that so next week will be calling some recommended barefoot gurus to have a chat. I'm conscious of not throwing too much at my boy all at once . . . I don't want him to react to being footy due to not having shoes on and end up damaging that ligament more . . . but I know that removing his shoes will help his way of going . . . all a bit Catch 22 if you get my drift.

So . . . am having a large glass of wine and wondering how the eff I am going to pay for all of this (I don't need kidneys, right?), but am rather pleased with the diagnosis and prognosis for now :). Fingers crossed all goes according to plan.

P

P.S. Oh, and until they can get round to rolling his field, and while he is recuperating, my lovely YO has said I can use the HUGE section at the top of her field which is knee-deep in grass and lovely and flat . . . I'm going up to electrify the fence/make everything secure tomorrow - how lovely is that?! I'm hoping that all that grass will mean he will be too busy eating to even think about having a hooley ;). The additional benefit being that his field will get a good two months of rest allowing the grass to grow for when he goes back in . . .
 
Last edited:
Nicnac said:
Well that's good news! :-)
Click to expand...

Do you know what, it is! I am a little stunned, tbh . . . and I'm still rather guarded because there IS damage to the suspensory, and he does still have bone trauma . . . so there is still a long way to go, but the diagnosis is infinitely better than I expected. If it had been gradual damage due to his dodgy foot conformation on that leg, I'd have been very worried about him doing it again or even coming sound. As it is, he's had an unlucky accident.

Still got to get him sound, though . . . and I've still got to figure out how and when to take him barefoot and get him through that.

P
 
Oh that really sounds like very good news to me! One of mine fractured his cannon in 2009 and it healed really really well and came back to full work. Not a mark on his leg either - only showed up on the x-ray. You really do have a lovely YO who just really sounds like a dream of a person. I am so happy for you!
 
Pretty positive news!
Personally I wouldn't take his shoes off yet. I wouldn't want possible footy gait to disrupt following the soundness progression of the injury.
I'd probably do it once the injury scans clear, he is 100% sound and just about to come into walk rehab
 
Hetsmum said:
Oh that really sounds like very good news to me! One of mine fractured his cannon in 2009 and it healed really really well and came back to full work. Not a mark on his leg either - only showed up on the x-ray. You really do have a lovely YO who just really sounds like a dream of a person. I am so happy for you!
Click to expand...

Thank you . . . he's already dealt with a fractured canon bone (three years ago - yes, he is accident prone) so I'm reasonably confident that we can deal with this although I am worried about the calcification (is that even a word?) and we still have ligament damage to deal with too.

And, yes, my YO is just the most wonderful person - I feel very lucky . . . she is very kind and really treats us (all two liveries!) like family - yard is bliss and it really makes the prospect of rehabilitating him that much less daunting.

P
 
My girl had almost identical injury last year. Went lame, thought was bruising as had pulled shoe off few days before. Nerve blocks, scans and X-rays
After showed inflamed suspensory where it met the bone and she was very tender on splint bone but luckily no fractures. All in all took 4 moths of box rest with in hand walking etc to get her completely sound. Good luck with your boy x
 
paulineh said:
That really sounds good news upward and onward.
Click to expand...

Thank you :). I'm cautiously optimistic now. Not jumping up and down for joy . . . that bony callous could still cause horrible problems and lame him permanently, but I do feel better about his prognosis.

P
 
mudmonkey17 said:
My girl had almost identical injury last year. Went lame, thought was bruising as had pulled shoe off few days before. Nerve blocks, scans and X-rays
After showed inflamed suspensory where it met the bone and she was very tender on splint bone but luckily no fractures. All in all took 4 moths of box rest with in hand walking etc to get her completely sound. Good luck with your boy x
Click to expand...

Oh that's wonderful to hear . . . thank you :). Very glad your girl came right for you.

P
 
ihatework said:
Pretty positive news!
Personally I wouldn't take his shoes off yet. I wouldn't want possible footy gait to disrupt following the soundness progression of the injury.
I'd probably do it once the injury scans clear, he is 100% sound and just about to come into walk rehab
Click to expand...

Yes, that's pretty much where I am too . . . having to remind myself to be patient, LOL.

P
 
That is very good news, I'm so glad to hear it's all treatable and that box rest is not necessary. Better for both of you :). You've every right to be cautiously optimistic it's always scary starting a recovery and return to work program. (I do at least one a year :rolleyes:)

Will he have the lovely Roger for company in his nice new field?

PS No, you don't need kidneys they are over rated ;). However, demand is currently low. I've failed to shift one of mine since HRH's last demand for veterinary attention :mad: :p
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top