My horse has thrown a splint - what to put on?

[Stenners]

My horse threw a splint just before I went on holiday (he threw it 3 weeks ago now)- he went away for schooling but ended up spending the 2 weeks on holiday! He's had ice boots on in the day and been bandages at night and turned out in a small paddock during the day. He's been sound for 3-4 days now and I picked him up on Sunday - it looks huge compared to when I left! I want to give him some more time off but not sure now it's forming the best thing to put on it? Do I leave him in? Turn him out?

His normal routine is in during the day and out at night.

It's the first time I've had a hose with a splint so looking for advice!

He's a 5 year old TB. (ex racer)

 

[Orangehorse]

The general advice is to stop riding and turn them out until it has settled and the horse is not lame. I think you can get something to put on from Global Herbs.

Years ago you could buy Radiol Bone, but I don't know if that is available now. It worked to some extent, but sometimes they disappear by themselves. Not always though.

 

[OldieButGoodie]

My 4 yo has developed a splint on his left fore and is now off work until the new year (in during day out during night). I rub in a gel the vet gave me twice a day. Has lidocaine, a steroid and something else in it I can't remember! Friend also recommended a tumeric supplement.

 

[stormox]

They usually have to have around 6 weeks off with a splint. Maybe slightly longer if the splint bone is actually broken. The old adage was however long they are lame for, when the horse is absolutely sound give the same amount of time off again before you start working them.

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

My horse threw a splint just before I went on holiday (he threw it 3 weeks ago now)- he went away for schooling but ended up spending the 2 weeks on holiday! He's had ice boots on in the day and been bandages at night and turned out in a small paddock during the day. He's been sound for 3-4 days now and I picked him up on Sunday - it looks huge compared to when I left! I want to give him some more time off but not sure now it's forming the best thing to put on it? Do I leave him in? Turn him out?

His normal routine is in during the day and out at night.

It's the first time I've had a hose with a splint so looking for advice!

He's a 5 year old TB. (ex racer)

one here was just vetted with an active splint, she was told just to leave it until settled, personally i would use dmso and puts on when ridden to protect it

 

[Stenners]

Sorry I'm being dim! What's DMSO?

 

[tallyho!]

Our vet seemed to follow the thought that anti-inflammatories were the first line of defence to reduce the formation of calciferous bone at the site. If you can get some topical-NSAIDs even better if not too severe. DMSO (dermobion) is not available and illegal in this country sadly but it was very good for splints!

Whatever you do, you just need to focus on keeping the swelling down in the first few weeks so cold hose, cool-boot/wrap etc. Rest. Turn-out is best to avoid sharp turns/wide stepping like they would do in a stable. Straight movement is what you aim for generally.

Having said that, all youngsters throw splints in their yoof - some I couldn't do much about and most people who have youngsters I talk to seem to say the same as me - they all go in time.