Removal of a torn cartilage......

[EmmaJ]

Anyone had any experiences?
My Mare has just come home from the vets after having keyhole surgery on her left hind fetlock. Her cartilage was very badly damaged and has to have 3 months of box rest!
Just wondering if theres is anyone out there who has known of this & what the percentages of recovery is. I have been told theres only a 50/50 chance of her coming back into work, but would like to know ur experiences.
Thanks

 

[lirago]

hi my girlies mum had the same op but on front fetlock for her there was only a 30 % change she would come back into work so we decided to breed from her we sold her on after she had the foal as a brood mare as she hadnt come sound enough to do anything but light hack. however 3 years later we saw her at a show she had come sound enough for the current owner to dressage and hack it had just taken some time. Yours might be better as its hind limb so less stress on it. sorry couldnt give you something mush more positive good luck with your girlie

 

[clairencappelli]

Dont despair yet!!!

My horse mullered her carteledge in 2007 and after 3 months of test she was still slightly lame so Dr David platt was called in to operate and did an arthroscopy.

They were extreamly shocked to find the damage so extensive and for the damage her level of lameness was so so low ( she has a high pain threshold ). They tidied the joint up as much as they could and removed the pieced that had been shreaed clean off. The recovery was exhausting and not without problems but had been wort it.

She had a further 3 months in and then went into a small pen in a field after 3 months after the op ( at this point she had been in for 6 months ) which increased it size gradually so she didnt be any sillier than necessary ( its a TB lol ).

9 months after the injury i began to ride her again and by march i did my first dressage in a long time and as she got stronger throught out the year. In dec once i had a little jumping at home with no infusions i took her showjumping and she is happy jumping 2ft6 with no problems!!!!!!!

She was given a prognosis on his report of guarded by cautiously optimistic for return to light ridden exercise so my vets are kept informed of her progress and are thrilled to bits with her.

I was told to put her on the newmarket joint supplement and she also has green lipped mussle which has helped loads.

I went throught tough times so i know how upsetting it is so feel free to pm if you like but i hope my story gives you hope.

 

[tangotime]

Hello Dreamz,

my horse at an arthroscopy on this right fetlock 2 years ago, he had a lot of cartilage damage which was debrided. He also was given a 50:50 of returning to ridden work. He still sound and going strong, touch wood!!!

However, what I would say don't take any short cuts and follow the recommended rehabilitation to the letter. I mean if it is says 6 weeks in hand walking, just do it. Also invest in a good joint supplement (one of the veterinary ones)

Good luck.