Splint surgery

[Halfstep]

It looks like my horse might need to have surgery to remove a problematic splint. He's having it x-rayed and scanned, but the vet thinks it is either impinging on the suspensory or is fractured (or both), and is talking about surgery. I would really appreciate any advice from anyone who knows about this - what to expect, prognosis etc. Vet implied that it was pretty straightforward and that the recovery was quite quick, but I'm terrified! The idea of a general anesthetic is v. scary. Horse currently very slightly lame on a circle when ridden, but the area is painful to palpate.

 

[BBs]

I dont know anything about it, but HUGS! I have my fingers x for you and O.

Vxx

 

[Jo C]

Mine had this done last year, unfortunately it grew back but now doesn't cause any problems. His operation was straightforward and he was back in work about 10 weeks or so later. Feel free to PM me if you want any more info.

 

[Happy Horse]

I have assisted with many splint surgeries and they are generally pretty straighforward as far as surgeries go. There are the usual GA risks and a low risk the splint bone may fracture and need plating but on the whole the procedure is pretty ok.

 

[Halfstep]

Thanks! It is good to hear about successful experiences. He's going in for the scans next week and they will keep him in for the surgery if necessary. The vet did say that recovery time was relatively short, which is good to hear. He's so borderline, I'm still hoping that the scans will show that its ok, but I'm preparing myself for the worst. Thank god for insurance, thats all I can say!

 

[virtual]

We had a splint removed. The operation went well and he was home within days. Unfortunately the vet bandaged the leg too tight resulting in the overlying tissue loosing circulation and dying. The bandaging had to be removed and the splint returned (plus lots of scar tissue). Despite this, the horse was totally sound throughout and it didn't seem to affect him at all.

If the splint is causing problems, it sounds like you're doing the right thing to have it removed. I hope it goes well for you and your horse.

 

[Jo C]

Just typed a huge reply then the computer lost it.

I was originally told 6 weeks for recovery but as I said before it took around 10, he is now competely sound and competes BD up to elem.
The wound had a drain in it at the surgery which was removed before he came home, then it was a case of changing the dressing twice a day, then once a day then just keeping it clean and spraying with silver spray. I won't lie, it was hard work and at the time emotionally draining going through it all but it was so worth it.
Sending you lots of good luck vibes

 

[Tempi]

oh no, i thought his leg was ok now

Sorry to hear its not good news hun, im sure the surgery will go well tho, fingers crossed for you xx

 

[Halfstep]

Thanks hon! He was absolutely fine until he banged it last week, then he took a few unlevel steps in front of my trainer (not good), and although he's sound on the lunge, he's still not right under saddle. The vet palpated it and thinks that it has become inflamed again and might be on the suspensory. He's currently on bute and resting and will be scanned next week. I want to sort this out rather than worrying that it might come back again with the slightest knock.
And we were supposed to be doing his first elementary next week.....

 

[ClaireH78]

My old horse had his splint bone removed, this was done prior to me buying him and I only found out when I had his leg scanned for something totally unrelated. It had never caused him any problems in all the time I had him.

A horse on our yard also had part of his spint bone removed and had it done under LA. I don't know the full story, I know the injury was a kick and that the wound was open and the bone removed through the open wound. So this may be why it was done under local? This horse is doing fine, currently on box rest but is showing a great recovery.

 

[Daisychain]

If he was fine untill last week he has probably just badly bruised it, personally i would leave surgery unless absolutely necessary, my friend lost her horse on the operating table having something similar done, give nature a chance first. Vets love it when they no your insured...