Post op KS lig snip - is this normal?

[Vekoma]

Also posted in tack room but I see this board is pretty active and I’m desperate for reassurance….(mods - sorry if I shouldn’t have done this)

My lovely 5yo had the lig snip KS surgery last Thursday from T14 to L1.

Post op instructions seemed pretty quick with turnout in a stable sized paddock prescribed on the Monday…all has gone well so far and the wound looks fabulous. Antibiotics and bute have been scoffed down so from that point of view everything is hunky dory.

Sadly hind limb movement looks dreadful and she is very obviously lame particularly after turning or setting off in walk from a stand still….it occurs intermittently and has been seen on both legs particularly after a turn or setting off from being stood.

Is this a ‘normal’ post op response to back pain? Should I be worried? I just haven’t really been told what to expect afterwards.

She looked absolutely fabulous upon collection from the vets - although I know she will have been on much stronger pain medication.

I’m going to call the vets tomorrow to organise an appointment for suture removal so can chat about it more then but would be interested in the experiences of others who have had to go on this horrible rollercoaster of a ride

 

[ycbm]

Mine moved a lot better after the operation and was never lame, neither was one i saw done at my last livery place. Sadly i think you need to contact your vets. I hope it's nothing serious.

 

[Barton Bounty]

I echo contacting your vet, it could be pain or she could be overcompensating. Best check it out

 

[Vekoma]

Thankyou both of you.

It’s a very odd step she takes where she will completely drop a hip - similar to how we do with say sciatica is the only way I can describe it.

It’s been witnessed in both hind legs rather than just one.

Will call the vet in the morning and see what they say. I’m devastated.

 

[ownedbyaconnie]

Mine had a few snipped last year and she was foot perfect. Rolling in the stable that night and walked out in hand a couple days later and looked the best she ever had, very relaxed. Mine wasn't allowed out on turnout until about 4 weeks after though, but was walked in hand for 30 mins twice a day during that time.

Sorry, doesn't sound normal at all! KS is often secondary to something else, any chance they've got something going on in the hind leg that has been made worse with standing in for the surgery and any box rest after?

 

[Birker2020]

Was there any update on this?