Neurectomy – Personal experiences?

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Gladioli

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Hi, wonder if anyone has any first hand experiences of a horse having a neurectomy? A friend of mine has asked that I post this as her horse went for an MRI yesterday and they have discovered that he has spliced his DDFT and also has damage to his collateral ligaments, the vets are of the opinion that the DDFT will not heal and a possible treatment is to have a neurectomy. (although the final prognosis has not been decided as said friend was too upset to take it in)

Does anyone have any experience of a horse having a neurectomy? Can anyone point me in the direction of any research on the internet? Basically all and any information welcome.

Many thanks
 
I'm aware of two horses that have had the procedure. Both were high level dressage horses. The neurectomy prolonged their competitive careers, however both ended up breaking down with multiple stress fractures and having to be put to sleep. I presume because they continued working, when a horse with full sensation would have gone lame.
 
My horse tore the DDFT in both his front legs (near hooves) approx 3 years ago. He was lame on and off and the problem was only found following an MRI scan. He was also at the time found to have arthritis in the coffin joints!!!

The vet did at that stage advise a neurectomy was possible but he felt that it would only give my horse about 5 years of being sound and in full work. In my opinion I didn't feel it was worth it and chose not to go ahead.

My horse then had approx 9 months of box rest and restricted turnout and although he was sounder by the end of it there was still a slight lameness there. I therefore decided to turn him away and hope for the best.

Luckily this approach seemed to work for him and he is currently sound and enjoying hacking and I hope to be able to do some dressage with him later in the year.

I do think his case was complicated by the fact he had arthritis as well but I certainly don't regret not going through with surgery.
 
The original posting in this relates to my horse and was posted by friends to try and help me --- so firstly -- you know who you are and a big thank you!! Also a big thank you to Hollymav. I have today met with my vets and having researched the Neurectomy situation fully decided not to go for this. We are going to give him 12 months rest and treat with carprophen along the way. Freddie (and I) have a long way to go yet but Hollymav, I was given a copy of your e-mail and it did give me some hope so thanks again.
 
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