Kali's recovery diary (I hope)

spookypony said:
I'm so sorry to read that you have yet another set of worries! Not much useful to add, other than to hope that he recovers.
Click to expand...

Thank you. With luck and a fair wind (and massive help from all my HHO and RL friends), we will give him the best chance possible to recover.

P
 
Didn't see him at all yesterday (went into London to try and see my Dad, which didn't happen, but that's a story in itself which I won't tell here - I was an idiot) . . . really missed him, so he got a massive cuddle this morning. God love him, he has no idea that he has the sword of Damocles hanging over his head . . . he's just happy to be on this earth, happy to see me, happy to be fed, happy . . .

I am now actively looking for grass livery for him, although I will have a word with my YO just in case she can pull a rabbit out of a hat for me.

Oh, and I think I've decided that the shoes stay off.

P
 
Damn, damn, damn. Sorry - have only just caught up with this! N- you have done everything you can possibly can for K so far and I know you will continue to do so. I really, really hope it works out for you both. And by the way, the reason everyone has been so kind is because you are to them. Your sensible, pragmatic but "from the heart" approach (if that is not a contradiction in terms) to your horse is an approach that I (and I am sure others) admire very much. All the very best for Wednesday :) xx
 
almostthere said:
Damn, damn, damn. Sorry - have only just caught up with this! N- you have done everything you can possibly can for K so far and I know you will continue to do so. I really, really hope it works out for you both. And by the way, the reason everyone has been so kind is because you are to them. Your sensible, pragmatic but "from the heart" approach (if that is not a contradiction in terms) to your horse is an approach that I (and I am sure others) admire very much. All the very best for Wednesday :) xx
Click to expand...

Oh what a lovely thing to say! He followed me around the field today when I poo picked - just breathing down my neck and blowing in my ear and I thought how lucky I am to have him.

I have also spoken to my YO who feels there may be a field she can rent to me . . . we need to discuss in a bit more detail, but that may be an option. Just waiting to see what Wednesday brings. Have asked my vet if he can bring scanning equipment with him - I wasn't going to have him scanned at all, but if the damage is particularly bad, we may need to make a different decision and I'd rather get all the information on Wednesday (if that makes sense).

P
 
PolarSkye said:
Oh what a lovely thing to say! He followed me around the field today when I poo picked - just breathing down my neck and blowing in my ear and I thought how lucky I am to have him.

I have also spoken to my YO who feels there may be a field she can rent to me . . . we need to discuss in a bit more detail, but that may be an option. Just waiting to see what Wednesday brings. Have asked my vet if he can bring scanning equipment with him - I wasn't going to have him scanned at all, but if the damage is particularly bad, we may need to make a different decision and I'd rather get all the information on Wednesday (if that makes sense).

P
Click to expand...

Almostthere hit the nail on the head! As for everything else...fully understandable to want to know everything you can...that way any decisions can be informed ones. Sounds positive about possible use of a field too. xx
 
Oh life can be so cruel. Please let it not be as bad as you fear.

You have a wonderful capacity for being so supportive and calming to others on here. The virtual hugs I can offer you and your boy seem so inadequate.
 
Andrew (vet) coming at 9.00 this morning. Sitting on my sofa trying to drink a cup of tea and feeling rather sick. Will update later today.

P

P.S. He had his usual pre-vet wash last night - looked so beautiful all clean but I can guarantee he will strongly resemble a skewbald this morning ;)
 
Well, it's good news and bad news . . . the wily old boy likes to keep us on our toes/guessing.

Vet is about 90% sure it's not his left suspensory - he is, however, about 90% sure the lameness (he's about 2/10ths lame) originates in his right foot/hoof.

Started out by having a good feel of both legs/feet . . . saw him walked and trotted up on the tarmac, did flexion tests on both forelimbs and got out the hoof testers. Nothing, except heat in the right forefoot, and slight lameness which was hard to pinpoint. We tried lunging him in the school and he was such a git - fly bucking, spooking, cantering - that Andrew couldn't actually see what he was doing - so we tacked him up and Z got on. He was sound in walk, but pushed up into trot he was just really, really short and sewing-machine-y in front and when Z asked for a bigger trot up the long side he was very locked through his shoulders - when she asked again, he tried to extend with his left shoulder/leg, but just couldn't with the right.

We took him up the drive to see what he was like on the grass - much of the same.

Andrew nerve-blocked the right fore and we did the same again, and he was sound.

So.

It could be one (or a combination) of several things:

1) He has an abscess brewing in that right fore - although we would expect to see much more lameness (and he has improved while he has been rested since last week)

2) His navicular is flaring up - but, again, why would that get better with rest?

3) He has other soft tissue damage inside the foot - DDFT or collateral ligament

4) He has developed some arthritis in his coffin joint - but, again, why would that get better with rest?

5) He isn't coping without shoes and the internal structures are struggling - I can see why that would mean he would be happier/more sound after 8 days rest . . .

So . . . we have multiple options. Andrew wants to see the x-rays from his initial navicular diagnosis and would quite like to x-ray him again to see what's changed (if anything). Aternatively, I could put shoes back on, give him a little bute, work him (gently) and see if that helps.

My vet fully understands and is supportive of my reasons for taking Kal's shoes off . . . but did counsel me that I may need to be open minded.

I am obviously elated that he hasn't done the other suspensory . . . and that Andrew was so pleased with the way his right fore has healed . . . so that's a huge positive. On the other hand, I'm left with more questions than answers and (yet again) have a lot to think about.

The look on Kal's face when Z actually picked him up and asked him for some proper work was priceless, though - he had the BIGGEST smile on his face - that was a lovely sight.

P
 
PolarSkye said:
The look on Kal's face when Z actually picked him up and asked him for some proper work was priceless, though - he had the BIGGEST smile on his face - that was a lovely sight.

P
Click to expand...

Aw, they are so wonderful when they do that.

As you say, lots to think about but good news that he hasn't done the other leg.
 
I am so pleased it's not the suspensory.

Whatever you do, I know it will be right for Kal as you always do the best for him, so I just wish you the best of luck with it and hope the updates get more positive every time. xxx
 
_GG_ said:
I am so pleased it's not the suspensory.

Whatever you do, I know it will be right for Kal as you always do the best for him, so I just wish you the best of luck with it and hope the updates get more positive every time. xxx
Click to expand...

Thank you - means a lot.

P
 
I think that this a ' good ' day really .
But deciding what to do may be hard to get right while I am a fan BF for horses I do shoe all of mine at times and owned one who did not do well without shoes he was sounder and coped with work better shod ( in his case he had a slightly deviated leg ) .
I think a slow considered approach is called for you may have a poison foot issue it's not unusual for horse on box rest to get irritating issues like this .
Of course you can throw a fortune at the foot in diagnostics and see what is found your vet sounds easy to communicate with and you can be guided by him .I am assuming hoof testers showed up nothing .
If shoes are the answer then that's what shoes are for horses and situations where the horse struggles without them.
Not easy , these things rarely are .
 
Goldenstar said:
I think that this a ' good ' day really .
But deciding what to do may be hard to get right while I am a fan BF for horses I do shoe all of mine at times and owned one who did not do well without shoes he was sounder and coped with work better shod ( in his case he had a slightly deviated leg ) .
I think a slow considered approach is called for you may have a poison foot issue it's not unusual for horse on box rest to get irritating issues like this .
Of course you can throw a fortune at the foot in diagnostics and see what is found your vet sounds easy to communicate with and you can be guided by him .I am assuming hoof testers showed up nothing .
If shoes are the answer then that's what shoes are for horses and situations where the horse struggles without them.
Not easy , these things rarely are .
Click to expand...

Breaking your response down:

1) He has a club foot, which happens to be his (now) dodgy foot and is attached to his (previously) dodgy leg

2) I agree, that a slow, considered approach is the way to go . . . we may still be looking at slow-growing infection in the foot . . . (although that would actually be my preferred diagnosis assuming we can catch it and treat appropriately)

3) Yes, I am reluctant to throw a fortune in diagnostics at this problem - he is insured with E&L, they will likely reject any claim given his previous issues - so I will be having very pragmatic conversations with my vet going forward

4) Yes, hoof testers showed up nothing - but there IS heat there

Right this second I am ruling nothing in or out . . . I need to think about what's best for him . . . and what's practical. I have asked my former vet to send the previous x-rays over to my current (and absolutely fabulous) vet and I will probably go ahead with x-rays next week. After that, who knows, but I have to be practical.

In the meantime, he is happy, content, settled in his (current) routine, loves his little field companion and loving life. I have plenty of time to make the appropriate decisions about his future.

:).

P
 
Looking a pre Bf X-rays will be a big help to compare with post ones my horse that I mentioned had loads of shod and unshod X-rays which showed a fascinating progression with the internal structures of his foot in his time BF the issue was he was never sound enough to work hard bf but came totally sound shod .
IBH we never got to the bottom of why but went with it.
You are totally right a practical and open minded and considered approach is what's needed you don't need to rush to do anything you have time to think.
Fingers crossed you have wee pockets of poison under running the sole I have had exactly this on box rest with one horse .
 
Goldenstar said:
Looking a pre Bf X-rays will be a big help to compare with post ones my horse that I mentioned had loads of shod and unshod X-rays which showed a fascinating progression with the internal structures of his foot in his time BF the issue was he was never sound enough to work hard bf but came totally sound shod .
IBH we never got to the bottom of why but went with it.
You are totally right a practical and open minded and considered approach is what's needed you don't need to rush to do anything you have time to think.
Fingers crossed you have wee pockets of poison under running the sole I have had exactly this on box rest with one horse .
Click to expand...

Oh this all day long :).

And, yes, x-rays may be very interesting.

Is it wrong that I'm praying for either infection or navicular flare-up over DDFT or collateral ligament?

P

P.S. And, yes, I know how awful and insidious navicular syndrome is . . .

P.P.S. And he hasn't been on box rest for a while now - he was such a wally being confined that for his suspensory rehab we actually turned him out for an hour or so in the morning while I mucked him out and then either turned him out again in the afternoon while I did another muck out or tied him up on the yard (with vet's blessing) . . . I think any infection may more likely have come from little bits of grit in his white line (which I have found and had to dig out/disinfect) since he's been barefoot/working on the tarmac . . .
 
Last edited:
View said:
Oh life can be so cruel. Please let it not be as bad as you fear.

You have a wonderful capacity for being so supportive and calming to others on here. The virtual hugs I can offer you and your boy seem so inadequate.
Click to expand...

Not inadequate at all - much appreciated - thank you :).

P
 
_GG_ said:
I am so pleased it's not the suspensory.

Whatever you do, I know it will be right for Kal as you always do the best for him, so I just wish you the best of luck with it and hope the updates get more positive every time. xxx
Click to expand...

^^^^^ This. Absolutely. Good luck. xx
 
almostthere said:
^^^^^ This. Absolutely. Good luck. xx
Click to expand...

Thank you :). Still lame this morning, but didn't let that stop him from galloping off up the field when I turned him out first thing (much cooler today). Former vets are e-mailing x-rays over to current one for him to have a look. I probably ought to ring my trimmer now to have a chat with her about what we've found out so far.

Anyone got any non-scary stories about DDFT or collateral ligament damage (in the hoof)?

P
 
PolarSkye said:
Thank you :). Still lame this morning, but didn't let that stop him from galloping off up the field when I turned him out first thing (much cooler today). Former vets are e-mailing x-rays over to current one for him to have a look. I probably ought to ring my trimmer now to have a chat with her about what we've found out so far.

Anyone got any non-scary stories about DDFT or collateral ligament damage (in the hoof)?

P
Click to expand...

Yep my old boy injured his DDFT in right fore (along with PSD at a different point in time). He was 17 when it was diagnosed and within 6months he was back in work. He took me around Hickstead at 20 and fulfilled a childhood dream :). As I think I have told you before he did have an amazing ability to heal himself which was just as well because he also was quite good at self-harming. At 22, he remains a field ornament close to my house because I had to bring him back from a retirement livery in Devon as he stopped eating until I brought him home (literally :)). I only tell you this because it gives you an indication of his enormous character which sounds very much like Kali. He is now more sound than he has ever been and his hock action as he trots around the field is amazing :)
 
almostthere said:
Yep my old boy injured his DDFT in right fore (along with PSD at a different point in time). He was 17 when it was diagnosed and within 6months he was back in work. He took me around Hickstead at 20 and fulfilled a childhood dream :). As I think I have told you before he did have an amazing ability to heal himself which was just as well because he also was quite good at self-harming. At 22, he remains a field ornament close to my house because I had to bring him back from a retirement livery in Devon as he stopped eating until I brought him home (literally :)). I only tell you this because it gives you an indication of his enormous character which sounds very much like Kali. He is now more sound than he has ever been and his hock action as he trots around the field is amazing :)
Click to expand...

Thank you for this - put a smile on my face :). Just curious - how did you treat the DDFT? Or did you just turn him away?

P
 
My recollection for DDFT (bit hazy the older I get and he did have a LOT of different injuries) was box rest followed by turn out in postage stamp followed by gradual return to work (which was "interesting" given that the vet wanted collected work to get him off his front..hmmmm..this is a horse that once had a dr score at 2* eventing with a well known pro of 70 penalties!!!). Anyway, don't remember anything more specific than that. PSD on the other hand I do remember was definitely shockwave because I remember wondering how something akin to the sound of a pneumatic drill could possibly help soft tissue. :)
 
almostthere said:
My recollection for DDFT (bit hazy the older I get and he did have a LOT of different injuries) was box rest followed by turn out in postage stamp followed by gradual return to work (which was "interesting" given that the vet wanted collected work to get him off his front..hmmmm..this is a horse that once had a dr score at 2* eventing with a well known pro of 70 penalties!!!). Anyway, don't remember anything more specific than that. PSD on the other hand I do remember was definitely shockwave because I remember wondering how something akin to the sound of a pneumatic drill could possibly help soft tissue. :)
Click to expand...

Box rest will be a challenge - as will a pen . . . while we were treating his PSD, my wonderful vet gave us permission to turn him out for an hour or so both ends of the day just to keep him sane. He wasn't a model patient by any means but he was much calmer out than in . . . so IF the diagnosis is DDFT or collateral ligament damage, I will be using the same model . . . OR turning him out for a loooooooooong time.

Certainly with you on the shock wave - not sure why it worked, but apparently it did (for the PSD) . . . but insurance won't cover his front feet because of previous navicular diagnosis (two years ago) so it'll be rest/light work or nothing - I simply don't have any more money for heroic treatments - got to trust in good old Dr. Green and time (unfortunately).

P

P.S. Edited to say thank you for sharing your experience (forgot to do that - how rude!) and LOL about the dressage score - I can very much relate to that ;)
 
Last edited:
Don't be silly - you have enough to think about rather than apologising :). Trouble is for every positive experience, someone on internet will have 10 negative :(. One thing I have learnt (and I know you already know this) is that all we can do is surround ourselves with the best professionals (vets, farriers, physios, trainers etc) that we know AND trust, get their respective views, add into the mix that we really do KNOW our horses better than anyone else and then trust yourself to make the best decision. There is no "right" decision in these situations. Good luck!
 
So sorry to hear you are having some more issues :(

BF has had a fair amount of success treating DDFT and CL injuries (as most navicular horses have some soft tissue damage as this usually occurs before the bone changes). If you haven't already it may be worth doing a search on the Rockley Blog for some success stories.

One other thing to consider is that he was incredibly wonky without his shoes and his feet and body will be rebalancing to deal with this change which could be making him sore elsewhere. Has he been seen by a physio or had neck, shoulders, back looked at?

My only advice would be to go with your gut on this. My vet told me to prepare for the worst when I sent B to Rockley and didn't believe it would work. My gut was screaming at me that it was the right thing to do and I was right. He's since referred five other horses down there and recommend it as a first option for anyone with an open mind who is willing to put the work in.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top