Keratoma recovery?

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Flight

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Hi, I have a horse currently on box rest after having a keratoma removed at end of November. He is still hopping lame. I have had him back to vets every 2 weeks since he had it operated on and last time I took him he didn't look lame at all despite having been hopping the day before. I think the problem is because I have to travel him for an hour to vets and he hates travelling, adrenaline kicks in and he looks fine by time he gets there. He has been on 2 butes a day up until 2 weeks ago when vet said to drop it down to 1 as he wasn't lame. Tried that and at home he doesn't want to put much weight on it at all. I left him on 1 a day for a week and felt so bad as he was so uncomfortable that i have put him back on 2 per day. Called Vet on Monday to discuss and was told he would call, didn't hear anything so called again today and still not heard anything, grrrr. Does anyone have any idea what is normal recovery for this type of problem? Should he still be this lame or should I insist vets take another look and investigate further? I am so worried about him and feel so bad for him as he is miserable and bored with all this box rest. Thanks if you have read this and can offer any help.
 
Can't the vet come to you ?
Have no experience of Keratomas myself... Bit rude of the vet not to ring you back, but you never know, they may have had a few Emergencies.
Not sure what else to suggest, apart from telling your vet you want facts about healing time etc.
Failing that, get a 2nd opinion, unless you're already using someone reputable ... At the end of the day, Bute is not a longterm solution, however you've no worries at the moment
 
After doing some reading up on this as mine is due to have the op soon. Im not 100% sure as every horse is different. Did you see the xrays?? Did the op go ok?? Any signs of a foot abscess brewing??

Where about did you go for the op too?? Hope you get a phone call tommorrow!! Was a big keretoma?? Maybe suggest to vet to do a yard vist and explain why hopefully they will see it from your point of view.
 
Hi, Thanks for answers. It was a fairly large one had to be removed in 2 stages. This vet is my second opinion as the original vet told me problem was in his hind leg and made me spend £400 on nerve blocks for no reason when actual problem was with front hoof as I and blacksmith tried to point out. :-( As I gave up with the first vets, the one I am using now is an hour away so the call out fee is £70. So I have been taking him up to them as it is cheaper. I am supposed to be taking him back in the next couple of weeks for a check up but feel like in between i am just left to get on with it without any kind of guidance.
He actually looks a little less lame today but I still haven't heard anything from the vets!!!! I am just so fed up of not knowing what to do. He has had bottom part reconstructed by farrier so he now has a square hole over the bit where the soft tissue is showing through. It has mainly gone hard and dark like vet said it would with just a very tiny pink bit in the middle. Fairly sure its not infected as I asked that last time I took him and they said it wasn't.
 
Flight said:
Hi, Thanks for answers. It was a fairly large one had to be removed in 2 stages. This vet is my second opinion as the original vet told me problem was in his hind leg and made me spend £400 on nerve blocks for no reason when actual problem was with front hoof as I and blacksmith tried to point out. :-( As I gave up with the first vets, the one I am using now is an hour away so the call out fee is £70. So I have been taking him up to them as it is cheaper. I am supposed to be taking him back in the next couple of weeks for a check up but feel like in between i am just left to get on with it without any kind of guidance.
He actually looks a little less lame today but I still haven't heard anything from the vets!!!! I am just so fed up of not knowing what to do. He has had bottom part reconstructed by farrier so he now has a square hole over the bit where the soft tissue is showing through. It has mainly gone hard and dark like vet said it would with just a very tiny pink bit in the middle. Fairly sure its not infected as I asked that last time I took him and they said it wasn't.
Click to expand...

How come it had to be done in two stages?? Was that two op's then too??Im glad it's not infected. Have you spoken to to your farrier about since op maybe he might be able to help. i would phone the vets again if you are still not happy with it.

Does the new vets do a free call out day?? Maybe it might be best the vet to come to you I know it all adds up then again you know your horse will be his normal self and not stress though travelly so the vet will see him at his worse!!

I know it takes a long time for the foot to fully recover from it- could it be that??
 
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