Suspensory damage - any experience

[Ninarodders]

My 16 year old cob has servere damage to both back suspsory ligaments. We tried shockwave treatment but there was no improvement. He isn't suitable for surgery either so there's nothing else that can be tried for him. Vet also said that we need to be careful with his turnout as if he were to run around then the ligament could snap and pts would be the only option.

I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience with this. If so how did your horse cope? Did you turnout alone or with another quiet retiree? Did you move the horse to a retirement home? Did you get the dreaded phone call that the horse is acutely lame and needs the vet? Everyday I panic over what he's gona be like. It's only been a week since the vet confirmed all this. Sorry it's a bit long. Tia everyone.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Sorry to hear this.

I had to retire my TB/section D dressage horse at age 7 with a damaged distal hind suspensory. He was cheerful enough turned out with his mate, but eventually his hind fetlock joint began to drop, and scans showed a hole running down the length of the ligament. Even at that point, he could trot up sound in a straight line but was crippled on turns.

He was pts age 10.

I'd still risk a serious field injury rather than limit turnout for a retired horse, as long as horse was happy, or if the risk was severe, I'd pts.

Really sorry, it's pants.

 

[fabbydo]

First of all, I'm sending you a big hug! Mine was deemed unsuitable for surgery by one vet but a second opinion vet found a surgeon who would do it. She has been sound for the past 6 years and retired due to an unrelated illness. It might be worth asking another vet to check yours? Whatever happens, let yours be a horse. Take the risk, let them play and be happy. Good luck.