SuseP
Well-Known Member
Evening All,
My 10yr old gelding came in 2 weeks ago with an acute hind limb lameness (whole leg held stiffly so presumably and injury to stifle or higher). I left him overnight and by morning he was 90% better, and got a little better every day, but had the vet out this week as he's not 100% yet. Vet diagnosed probable injury to medial capsule of stifle but noted he was lame on both hinds. Also suggested referal to specialist for arthroscopy but travelling would cause no end of stress for him so we decided for the moment to treat with box rest and bute for 3 weeks, then xray (at home) if still needed, and go from there.
Although I'm ok with what the vet has said, I feel that I could use a little more information on what else it might be (vet could only guess without further diagnostics - fair enough) and I've never really rated the practice I'm using. Horse also had a fracture to tuber sacrale at end of 2010 so I want to make sure it couldnt be further iritation to the sacroiliac ligament. So, I've contacted another vet for a second opinion (highly recommended and noted on this forum as being a bit special). I've informed the first vet out of courtesy, and discussed its just back up to put my mind at rest.
So, after this long winded explanation (sorry!), my question really is am I doing the right thing? I'm absolutely gutted he's injured, because I adore him, not because I want to be riding. And I'm shocked that this relatively mild lameness (a slight, intermittent toe drag but positive both sides on flexion test) has come with quite a serious diagnosis. And of course I'm hoping the second vet will be more optimistic or at least say he doesnt have to be on box rest. First vet called tonight to suggest if I want a second opinion, I at least get it from another vet in the same practice (not convince that counts!).
Am I being OTT in getting another vet just to take a look? Thanks for reading.
My 10yr old gelding came in 2 weeks ago with an acute hind limb lameness (whole leg held stiffly so presumably and injury to stifle or higher). I left him overnight and by morning he was 90% better, and got a little better every day, but had the vet out this week as he's not 100% yet. Vet diagnosed probable injury to medial capsule of stifle but noted he was lame on both hinds. Also suggested referal to specialist for arthroscopy but travelling would cause no end of stress for him so we decided for the moment to treat with box rest and bute for 3 weeks, then xray (at home) if still needed, and go from there.
Although I'm ok with what the vet has said, I feel that I could use a little more information on what else it might be (vet could only guess without further diagnostics - fair enough) and I've never really rated the practice I'm using. Horse also had a fracture to tuber sacrale at end of 2010 so I want to make sure it couldnt be further iritation to the sacroiliac ligament. So, I've contacted another vet for a second opinion (highly recommended and noted on this forum as being a bit special). I've informed the first vet out of courtesy, and discussed its just back up to put my mind at rest.
So, after this long winded explanation (sorry!), my question really is am I doing the right thing? I'm absolutely gutted he's injured, because I adore him, not because I want to be riding. And I'm shocked that this relatively mild lameness (a slight, intermittent toe drag but positive both sides on flexion test) has come with quite a serious diagnosis. And of course I'm hoping the second vet will be more optimistic or at least say he doesnt have to be on box rest. First vet called tonight to suggest if I want a second opinion, I at least get it from another vet in the same practice (not convince that counts!).
Am I being OTT in getting another vet just to take a look? Thanks for reading.
It would be pretty unprofessional of him to throw out a list of random guesses when he doesn't know if he's correct or not...