rupture of digital extensor tendon

[lidija21]

Hi, I have very big problem with my mare (she is with foal 9 months). She stucked her leg through the door and fighting so bad that she doesn't have any skin or flesh on her hind leg. The wound is in the front part of the leg between ankle and hock. Anyhow the wound were doing well, she got antibiotics and betadine on the wound. But yesterday her digital extensor tendon just broke. I suppose it was damaged in the accident cause veterinary said it couldn't broke just like that.

Doctors told us (5 of them) that surgery isn't an option and that she would have to learn to walk again (WHEN SHE RAISE A LEG TO MAKE A STEP HER HOOF STAYS IN BACK POSITION AND SHE STAND ON HER ANKLE). I have a picture of the wound but it's too big for forum.

Immobilization isn't an option as well because of the wound (maybe after 2-3 weeks will be possible).

It would really help me if someone ever heard or seen some kind of cast or something that would hold her leg in position, actually that would hold her hoof in front ready for a step.



she is eating normal, doesn't have any temperature and we are very sad for her..



thanks for help

 

[brightmount]

What an awful situation, I take it the vet didn't advise immediate PTS so there may be some hope?

I was trying to find the Dalmar tendon support boot on the internet but haven't had any luck so I don't know if it ever got beyond product development stage. It was really designed to support the suspensory ligament, but I just wondered if it could work with a splint in your situation. The only useful reference I found was this:

http://opus.bath.ac.uk/6793/

I hope someone will be along with more experience of this injury and hopefully something to pin some kind of hope upon, although it certainly sounds a terrible situation, I'm so sorry for you.

 

[flaxen]

Hi,

Is your vet a specialist equine vet or a mixed practice vet?
If they arent a specialist equine vet ask for a referral, I am a equine vet nurse and we have cast horses with big wounds on their legs particularly if there is bony or tendon involvement. The specialist equine vets will also have a remedial farrier who will be able to put a special shoe on her that will prevent her hoof tipping down to the floor. She may never be 100% sound but if she is a broodmare then it wont matter as much.
If my horse was to rupture a tendon I would much rather it was a extensor tendon than a flexor tendon.
If you want to show me a photo of the wound then pm me.
Please dont give up hope.

 

[dany]

Im sorry to read this and dont have any advise to get through this initial stage, but I did buy a horse that had this injury.

Solo had severed his as a yearling, so had to deal with a massive wound as well caused by getting his legged wrapped in electric tape. His breeder said it took a lot of box rest, but he did come sound.
When initially backed, he did trip a bit but he soon learned to bring that leg through a little higher. You cant notice the change in gait unless you really look for it and all the vets ive spoken too have all said there is a very good rate of success with an injury to the extensor.

Obviously I cant compare too much or comment without knowing or the details about your foal (or without being a vet!) but I hope to give you a little hope with my story.