Splints in old Shetland pony

[Moobli]

My 17 year old Shetland gelding has been diagnosed with splints. He is very lame. I have him penned in a small area with his companion and is on Equipalazone. How long should it take before seeing some improvement? I think I’m going to get the equine vet out on Friday just for another assessment but it’s horrible to see him so uncomfortable.
Is something like this ever a pts situation? Then I have the unenviable decision as to whether to pts his bonded companion (19 years) also.

 

[cauda equina]

It seems a funny age and type to get splints - could there be any doubt about the diagnosis?

 

[AmyMay]

Splints can (and most often do) settle down after a period of rest and Bute. So don’t panic just yet xx

 

[twiggy2]

Splints generally settle and often don't make then lame in the first place.
Can you see/feel the splints?
I agree it's an unusual age an type for splints.

 

[Moobli]

It seems a funny age and type to get splints - could there be any doubt about the diagnosis?

Farrier and farm vet thought splints but I’ve a doubt in my mind so I’m getting the specialist vet out on Friday. I’ll update then.

 

[Moobli]

Splints generally settle and often don't make then lame in the first place.
Can you see/feel the splints?
I agree it's an unusual age a type for splints.

You can definitely feel them … if that’s what they are.

 

[twiggy2]

I would also treat him as laminitic till then, Iit certainly won't do any harm.
Do let us know what the outcome is and fingers crossed.

 

[Moobli]

I would also treat him as laminitic till then, Iit certainly won't do any harm.
Do let us know what the outcome is and fingers crossed.

Thanks. Will do.

 

[Moobli]

I’ve moved the appointment to 2pm today. I’ll let you know how it goes.

 

[ycbm]

I'd be very surprised if splints caused bad lameness in a 17 year old Shetland. I'm glad your getting another vet out. If he has new lumps on his legs and is very lame, I'd be looking at what he might have got caught in or been trodden on by.
.

 

[Leandy]

What has he been doing to suddenly cause bad splints in a 17yr old shetland?? Has he had a sudden increase in work? I agree with others that this sounds a bit odd. If he suddenly has splints so bad that he is badly lame, you should be able to see and/or feel them. There will be lumps/swelling and heat and if you press the area firmly that will cause pain. If it is truly just splints, no it should not be a PTS situation. Splints will resolve themselves with rest and time.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

The only reason I could think of for severe lameness in what appears to be a splint would be a fractured splint bone. Very treatable. Hope it turns out to be something minor.

 

[Moobli]

The vet is now treating him for a possible abscess so I have to poultice daily until Monday. If no improvement then we’ll do an X-ray.

 

[Moobli]

He does have splints but that isn’t causing the lameness.

 

[twiggy2]

The vet is now treating him for a possible abscess so I have to poultice daily until Monday. If no improvement then we’ll do an X-ray.

He does have splints but that isn’t causing the lameness.

Good shout on getting the vet sooner, hopefully her will be feeling feeling a lot more comfy very soon, I dont envy you treating such a small one for a foot issue though it can be rather back breaking

 

[rabatsa]

I have found sanitary towels ideal for poulticing small feet. Silage patches are also great for covering them with and some duct tape to finish off round the sides. I have been getting a lot of practice with a couple of donkeys over the last few years.