Splint dilemma

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nel509

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My 4yo ish came in with what looked like a strike from another horse as he had bald bit down front of his leg that finished just below the knee. It was soft and sore to touch at first, but developed into a split a few days later. It's on the inside of his offside fore. It's been there around 9 weeks, I have treated it with Cold hosing, arnica, I've packs, etc. it has gone down slightly (was approx size of half almond) but still has some heat in it. He has never been lame on it, but since he got it I stopped working him and have been able to concentrate on another youngster I have. Tonight when I was doing my hosing etc I noticed a new smaller splint on his opposite leg. I am gutted.
Is it common for an opposite leg to get a splint? The original one was injury, could this new one be due to unbalance in the front legs due to first splint?

I have spoken to my vet as was concerned the first splint was lingering and not gone cold. I had wondered if ther could be a fracture to splint bone, and if it should be x rayed. My vet said not to worry and would settle. He is very old school and I am now wondering if I should get a second opinion and have X-ray.

Anyone any experience of anything similar? Would appreciate any first hand experiences
 
nel509 said:
It's been there around 9 weeks, I have treated it with Cold hosing, arnica, I've packs, etc. it has gone down slightly (was approx size of half almond) but still has some heat in it. He has never been lame on it, but since he got it I stopped working him and have been able to concentrate on another youngster I have. Tonight when I was doing my hosing etc I noticed a new smaller splint on his opposite leg. I am gutted.
Is it common for an opposite leg to get a splint?


Anyone any experience of anything similar? Would appreciate any first hand experiences
Click to expand...

Yes it is quite common for horses to get a splint on the opposite leg, I think this is due to overcompensation on the opposite limb, my horse did and a previous horse did also . Icing is initially the best thing for a splint. DMSO used to be prescribed by the vet to paint on the splint, it has to be put on carefuly as it is quite toxic stuff.

This is what an article in H&H suggests:


•Diet – feed according to work done and check the mineral balance
•Exercise – don’t do too much too soon, especially on hard ground
•Maintain proper foot trimming and shoeing
•Use exercise boots or bandages to avoid interference injuries

Read more at http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/horse-care/vet-advice/understanding-splints-48104#PyDt1MFoxZYYHbTj.99
 
Defiantly look to the horses foot balance .
There's loads of time for it to resolve yet I have seen them disappear after years.
A split in a 'good ' place is not a huge worry.
The horse I had with the broken splint bone ,well all I can say was you could not miss it it was very painful.
 
Thanks to all replies. I had my farrier come out today to check balance of foot. He reckoned all ok. Rang a recommended vet who was not overly concerned. Rest and lots of cold therapy seems to be order of the day. If I am still worried in a few weeks I am going to take him in for x Rays. Think I am just being impatient and worrying
 
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