Ruptured tendon - advice please

hackedoff said:
Anyone got some slighty more positive views than this?
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I'm sorry but I tend to agree. I had this conversation with my best friend the other day as my horse has a tendon injury (although in his case it is only a superficial injury and we are restricted to walk work for a few weeks whilst it heals). And I said to her if I hadn't called the vet when I did and the suspensory had turned into a massive tear which would require months and months of box rest with a very poor prognosis of a return to competition (which is what I have him for) or even hacking round the roads due to him being lame then I would seriously contemplate PTS even though I love him dearly. But then when it comes to the crunch it is easier said than done. Its not the age of the horse that I would go by, it would be the quality of the horses life afterwards. If my horse had to be on a massive quantity of drugs to stop him feeling pain then I don't think I'd do that to him.

And as for the box rest. If you spend a couple of hours on your own in your horses stable and see how you feel after that and you will know where I am coming from. Someone did that once for a column in a horse magazine publication, they spent about 8 hours in there and were so bored they were almost going out of their mind through lack of stimulation.

Your horse at age 21 has had many good years, and presumably a very good life. You have done all the things you have wanted to do with him and he owes you nothing. If his period of confinement really is going to be 9-12 months and his prognosis is poor, and he will only be a hobbling field ornament then can you honestly say you want this for your best friend?

I am sorry to be blunt, but you wanted peoples thoughts. This is just one of many.:(
 
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My mare is 23 got bad laminitis, hobbling as she escaped and ate barley rings There is NO WAY I would consider PTS unless it was the last option .
She has been on box rest since 11th July she has been quiet happy a sensible only had sedaline for a week to encourage her to lie down. She has Styrofoam pad on.

She has been amazing the pony and a diy are in at night so she is not alone. The other 5 part liveries come in the day time including her son who is stabled next to her . I will never give up. She has brilliant vets and a world class remedial farrier who has brought horses back to sound from being almost at the end. Yes its costing as insurance doesn't cover it and anyway dont insure her now. But she is worth EVERY PENNY we spend on her she has given me her all .. ALL her life Now I am returning the favour.:)
 
I'm glad he is improving! The heat will just be from where he is using it and flexing it more than he has been of late and it should settle down again without a bother. If he keeps improving and the tendon fills in neatly with scar tissue and settles well then there really shouldn't be any reason why he can't become a quiet happy hacker again for a few more years so long as it is well monitored.

My complete rupture horse comes home from work on Friday and he will start walking out on Monday just for 5mins. My other lad, his scan went from a 60% hole in the DDFT to a 5% hole in the space of 5months so he should be out walking next month. Like you my horses have a home for life and as far as I am concerned they can take as long as they like to heal even if they then only become field ornaments - I already have plenty so whats another one to add to the collection?! Lol!

Keep us updated as to how everything pans out over the next few months and I wish you and your lad all the best!
 
applecart14 said:
I'm sorry but I tend to agree.
And as for the box rest. If you spend a couple of hours on your own in your horses stable and see how you feel after that and you will know where I am coming from. Someone did that once for a column in a horse magazine publication, they spent about 8 hours in there and were so bored they were almost going out of their mind through lack of stimulation.

Your horse at age 21 has had many good years, and presumably a very good life. You have done all the things you have wanted to do with him and he owes you nothing. If his period of confinement really is going to be 9-12 months and his prognosis is poor, and he will only be a hobbling field ornament then can you honestly say you want this for your best friend?

I am sorry to be blunt, but you wanted peoples thoughts. This is just one of many.:(
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You know this is a really wierd response, Applecart did you actually read my update? In my case despite ruptuirng his tendon three months ago it is healing, my pony is now sound to walk, has naughtly trotted some strides, had the occasional leap about at the end of the lead rope and was and has stayed sound. He is a tough old nut and only had bute for about 2 weeks straight after the injury. It looks like he will be field sound and possibly even rideable.

You have commented that I have done all the things I wanted to do with him and he owes me nothing. What about what I owe him in return for all the good years of service? Yes of course if he was still lame after 3 months box rest which he has come through then yes PTS would be the kindest option, but he isnt lame now!

The purpose of my update was to let others know that it really is worth waiting after an inital seemingly major injury before making a decision (unless of course the vet advises PTS).

Thank you EKW and Leviathan for your replies, good luck with your horses as well!
 
hackedoff said:
You know this is a really wierd response, Applecart did you actually read my update? In my case despite ruptuirng his tendon three months ago it is healing, my pony is now sound to walk, has naughtly trotted some strides, had the occasional leap about at the end of the lead rope and was and has stayed sound. He is a tough old nut and only had bute for about 2 weeks straight after the injury. It looks like he will be field sound and possibly even rideable.

You have commented that I have done all the things I wanted to do with him and he owes me nothing. What about what I owe him in return for all the good years of service? Yes of course if he was still lame after 3 months box rest which he has come through then yes PTS would be the kindest option, but he isnt lame now!

The purpose of my update was to let others know that it really is worth waiting after an inital seemingly major injury before making a decision (unless of course the vet advises PTS).

Thank you EKW and Leviathan for your replies, good luck with your horses as well!
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Sorry I apologise I didn't read your update. I thought it was a recent post and I should have taken the time to read it all.


To be fair though, when you update a post its probably better to write 'update - ruptured tendon' rather than add to something that is a few days/weeks old.

Once again apologies, I was in a bit of a rush to go out and should have read what you had written. Glad your horse has come sound.
 
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Am so pleased to hear that your boy is recovering so well!!

As an update on mine, after 1 year and 9 months (9 months of which were spent on box rest), he went out into a field with other horses for the first time at the beginning of August. He hooned about like an idiot but other than being a bit stiff in general, you wouldn't have known he was the same pony who had more black than white on the ultrasounds of his tendon in Nov 2009.

It just took time!
 
just food for thought ; i work in a rehab yard and see many tendon injuries, smashed fetlocks, broken pelvis to the extreme(bone through skin had to have chunk removed and bolted back together) was not expected to survive she went back into full work but unfortunately fractured a knee but again is fine. my point being it all depends on the horse and its will to survive with help. we have so many come in with massive tendon injuries/ bowed tendons etc that with time, rehab can make a fab recovery its quite often we see them again with the other leg being injured as bad legs actually can end up being stronger. What food do you have him on we feed ours convalescent diet from Dodson and Harrell its fab for box rest would recommend. we also had a filly that would not stop moving in stable put her in field with friend and best thing ever vet could not believe how much improved she was so box rest is not best for every horse
 
stacie21 said:
my point being it all depends on the horse and its will to survive with help.
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Yes I am a great believer in someone or somethings will to live.

I firmly believe that if my first horse had been able to come home rather than stay at the hospital for the three weeks that he was, his injury may not have killed him in the end, but he could well have gotten over it, even though it would have taken a long, long time. There is nothing like the comfort of people you know and love to help you over something traumatic which is another reason why they send humans home from hospital as soon as they can, because they tend to thrive better in an environment they feel more comfortable in. As well as saving money and being a shortage of beds!:D

However at the time he needed to stay at the hospital as sadly he never recovered well enough to go home to get the chance. His will wasn't as strong at the hospital as he would have been at home, poor lad, I am absolutely positive of that fact although they gave him the best possible care that they could have at the time. I think will to live is a basic but very strong and often underestimated instinct as is surviving when everything is stacked against you, as in people who live when they should have died, miracles, etc.
 
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Some of you may remember my thread about not knowing what to do with my pony after he fell in the field in May and ruptured his sfdt.

Here's an update pony is still not being turned out, however he is upto 1/2 hour walk in hand. Vet v pleased with progress and has now advised start riding 5 mins per day working upto 1/2 hour. We did hve a funnny conversation as said to vet I'm thinking of gettting a western saddle, she said ? How will it helo his leg. I explained its so I have the horn to grab for my safety... He should be safe to turn out next summer (very hilly slippy clay area here). I'm delighted and tentativly dreaming of vhs classesn le trek and pleasure rides. So glad I didn't listen to the first replies to my original post and pts!
 
Weird coincidence that this post resurfaced again today (I haven't read it before) as my gorgeous 20 year old wb was today diagnosed with massive damage to his sdft and also some damage to his check ligament. Injury happened last week and so box rest/cold hosed until now. Very minimal swelling/heat and completely sound throughout.

To my surprise, my vet was wholly optimistic. I made it clear early on that whether the horse is ever rideable or not is not a consideration, as long as he is happy and can live out his retirement in the field with friends I am happy. Carrying on box rest for 2-3 weeks more and then introducing walking in hand. Vet would be happy for him to be turned out in 5-6 weeks time if all goes well although I may use the outdoor school as a turnout 'paddock' initially (his best mate can go in with him) as, like you we have hilly, muddy turnout in the winter.

I have had him for 12 years, he is my first horse and while he owes me nothing, I owe him enough to try my best to give him a fighting chance.

I hope your boy continues to recover well hackedoff :)
 
My 19 year old has just done his first team chase since rupturing his tendon two years ago. At the time off injury one person suggested shooting him! Mine was very lucky and many will not get back to that level but you know your horse best, if he'll tolerate the rest then go for it!
 
;)Also expect negative posts from the 'pts if it can't compete lobby that reside on here!
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;)

I totally agree with this member there are too many that say the PTS option .

My mare is hobbling with laminitis has had it 3 months box rest to date . I will NOT PTS.

ruptured tendons heal . Then horse can retire enjoy life or come back into light work
 
A further update from me. Mine went out in a turnout field for the first time today 6 months after the tendon rupture. He was getting increasingly difficult when walking out, bucking and spinning etc so as likly to ruin leg inhand as turned out! Plus it was dodgy for me as a couple of times I had narrow misses where he nearly plattered me. He had also become quite lethargic in the stable.

Anyway he went into the only flat field that is usually reserved for the farmers cows and sheep when about to give birth. It is currently occupied by a ram 24/7 and a min shetland and a small welsh A type mare during the day. The ponys live next door in the stable block to mine and he has ridden out with the mare. Anyway he went out, had a damn good roll or two, a few bucks and kicks and a mild prance . The other ponys weren't that interested, the sheep threatned to duff him up when he went near 'the sheeps' shetland! He was more interested in grazing than anything else. His leg has held up fine and its like my old pony is back again he has really perked up! Plan is for him to go out 1/2 hour each day unless it is icey and also ride or hand walk till spring when I can safely do more with him to get him fit again. I will try and update this thred regulalry as I hope it helps others with similair injuries. I have certainly found other peoples recollections of their horses progress quite heartening.
 
I would say that lot depends on how things go in the first month, and if you can get long term flat turnout, good luck with it, the horse has only a few more years with you, and they should be happy ones.
 
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hackedoff said:
A further update from me. Mine went out in a turnout field for the first time today 6 months after the tendon rupture. He was getting increasingly difficult when walking out, bucking and spinning etc so as likly to ruin leg inhand as turned out! Plus it was dodgy for me as a couple of times I had narrow misses where he nearly plattered me. He had also become quite lethargic in the stable.

Anyway he went into the only flat field that is usually reserved for the farmers cows and sheep when about to give birth. It is currently occupied by a ram 24/7 and a min shetland and a small welsh A type mare during the day. The ponys live next door in the stable block to mine and he has ridden out with the mare. Anyway he went out, had a damn good roll or two, a few bucks and kicks and a mild prance . The other ponys weren't that interested, the sheep threatned to duff him up when he went near 'the sheeps' shetland! He was more interested in grazing than anything else. His leg has held up fine and its like my old pony is back again he has really perked up! Plan is for him to go out 1/2 hour each day unless it is icey and also ride or hand walk till spring when I can safely do more with him to get him fit again. I will try and update this thred regulalry as I hope it helps others with similair injuries. I have certainly found other peoples recollections of their horses progress quite heartening.
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Flipping love this - shame I missed it!!!!! (My two are the companions - though the sheep is deffo not mine!!!)

So pleased for you Mrs - if you want to ride out this afternoon Ill be about after 2 ish xxx
 
hackedoff said:
A further update from me. Mine went out in a turnout field for the first time today 6 months after the tendon rupture. He was getting increasingly difficult when walking out, bucking and spinning etc so as likly to ruin leg inhand as turned out! Plus it was dodgy for me as a couple of times I had narrow misses where he nearly plattered me. He had also become quite lethargic in the stable.

Anyway he went into the only flat field that is usually reserved for the farmers cows and sheep when about to give birth. It is currently occupied by a ram 24/7 and a min shetland and a small welsh A type mare during the day. The ponys live next door in the stable block to mine and he has ridden out with the mare. Anyway he went out, had a damn good roll or two, a few bucks and kicks and a mild prance . The other ponys weren't that interested, the sheep threatned to duff him up when he went near 'the sheeps' shetland! He was more interested in grazing than anything else. His leg has held up fine and its like my old pony is back again he has really perked up! Plan is for him to go out 1/2 hour each day unless it is icey and also ride or hand walk till spring when I can safely do more with him to get him fit again. I will try and update this thred regulalry as I hope it helps others with similair injuries. I have certainly found other peoples recollections of their horses progress quite heartening.
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So pleased for you, I have followed your story with interest from the beginning and have been hoping it would work out for him, will still keep fingers crossed that things keep improving.
 
hackedoff said:
A further update from me.
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Thank you for updating and glad all is going well :)

Slight complication with my boy this week due to oedema with him standing in (and don't think swapping to haylage helped :mad: :o ) so vet advised to start walking out in hand. Apart from the first 'exciting' walk (resulting in a broken foot for me :o ) he has been great and swelling has gone down.

Now 3 weeks post injury so only really beginning... :( But horse is very happy and content in himself so will keep at it :)
 
Well its nearly a year on from the injury so I thought I may as well update this again.

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Horsey is now 100% sound!

He has had the odd spin of problem as a result of the injury and box rest. he needs lots of rehab as has some adhesions to the tendon which are contracting it and his back has dropped due to lack of muscle so has lost of physio exercises to do .

He is now hacking out for 1 hour a day and is upto doing a highly excited whizzy trot. He is just learning to do a proper extended trot and for the first time in a year sprinted past girlfriend on a hack (okay shes 11 HH and hes 14.3Hh so not extacly an even contest!) .Physio reckons he would be okay for pleasure rides and showing lady on our yard keeps suggesting VHS. Meanwhile he is also being a very good lead rein pony for my son!

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so glad I didnt PTS

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I'm so glad it has all worked out well for you! My lad that did a complete rupture of his SDFT is now back in work and is coping admirably well. He just needs to get over his total love of one of my shetlands ...
 
glad he is ok


One of my liveries had ruptured tendon , at 19 months box rest - x rays - ultrasound , and he came back sound

my first mare ruptured hers could nt get up literally for 3 days had to pour bute into her .
. Too many on here opt for the PTS before finding out all the facts or being in that situation. If you are prepared to nurse and horse is happy box . Go for it
 
Wonderful news! so pleased he has come right for you, I've always been a great believer in 'time and patience' so sadly lacking in a lot of people these days, for you and your horse it has paid off.
 
Thank you all for your good wishes EKW and Rhino I am glad it is going well for your horses , Leviathan best wishes for your liver horses progress. Nice to be able to post something postive for a change!
 
Have read all the posts and am so pleased that the horses are all progressing well. My boy (although younger, at 10) tore his SDFT 18 months ago. We went through 8 weeks box rest, 3 months walking out followed by another 4 months walking out whilst very gradually introducing trot (and all before he had any turn out). Anyhoo, the upshot is we are now back doing dressage (and placed every time we've been out since he's come back to work :D) and we will soon be starting pole work with a view to jumping again by the end of the summer. Its a very long process but there is light at the end of the tunnel. I wish you well and hope your horse continues to improve
 
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