Splints - Please Help

[vicm2509]

I have noticed Baron has a splint on his front leg. I am 100% sure it has only appeared in the last few days. I have never had a horse with forming splints before and I really dont know what to do.

He is totally sound and someone at the yard said I should keep him in work but on soft ground only and dont jump him.

I always use boots on him and never go faster than trot if the ground is hard. He is 7 years old and since I got him 4 months ago his workload has gradually increased and he is now doing lots of jumping.

What could have caused this and is it likely to get worse and affect what I can do with him?

Sorry for all the questions but can someone please advise me on what to do.

 

[brightmount]

Although I haven't had to deal with splints on any of my horses, I have heard Splintex silver is very good for fresh splints, and Splintex gold for old splints.

 

[BroadfordQueen]

also i was reccomended by my vet when my last pony had a splint to put human ibuperphen (sp??) gell on it- it stops any inflamatories and works as a painkiller.

 

[Patchwork]

Take it easy for a bit until the splint has settled (especially if there is heat in it - you could use something like ice gel) but nope it shouldnt cause any more problems unless it is near a joint. It could have been caused by concussion, a direct blow (e.g a knock or a kick) or by stress put on the leg by poor conformation.

 

[Rambo]

My chap has recently thrown a new splint....same age as yours...as long as there is no heat in the leg, keep him working, but take it easy for a while. He'll tell you if it isn't right

 

[vicm2509]

Thanks, those replies have made me feel much better about the whole thing. I was so upset when I noticed it before. I will try the ice gel and keep hosing it for a week and see what happens, if there is no change I may try the splintex.

Could it have been caused by his shoeing? I had some thicker shoes put on him about 3 weeks ago. Or maybe its just the hard ground, he is in a huge field with about 30 other horses so it is very likely he has been playing or galloping around and the ground has been so hard until recently.

 

[vicm2509]

Would it be adviseable to put some boots on him while he is turned out? Maybe just to support his leg a bit more and prevent any further knocks to it?

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

Hi, This link should tell you all you need to know, hope it's of use.
http://www.petalia.com.au/Templates/StoryTemplate_Process.cfm?specie=Equine&story_no=1828

 

[vicm2509]

That link is brilliant, thanks very much.

I am still usnsure of weather I should be working him or not? I did lots of reading last night and some sites say total box rest, others say keep them working. So I am going to do some light work in the paddock and field but keep him bandaged. I will also be keeping him in overnight bandaged for a few days at least just to prevent him galloping around the field.

If by monday its getting worse I may call the vet out to check it over.

Im off to get some cold packs today and will get to work on it later.