What do you think- possibly a fractured splint??

[seabiscuit]

Ok, so does anyone have any experiences of splint bone fractures? What do they look like - that is if you can see anything? If it is a fracture, how do they treat it?If operated on, is it a 'big/risky operation'?

F had a splint some months ago. Despite time off, and cold hosing, and spa treatment, it went from being pea sized to the size of half a golf ball. It did go hard in the end, and NEARLY cold, ( tiny bit of warmth some days)It went into a longitudinal shape in the end, about 8 cms long/3 cm wide.(quite big!) vet advised carry on with work which we did, that was about 2 months ago but he wasnt really ridden for that time due to the colic complications.

SO- guess what, today he had what seemed to be like two new splints on TOP of the old one....two little peas one on top of the other...it almost looks like the original splint has split up into these three lumps? It is very hot and he is lame. I am guessing now that there is a possibility of a fracture here??as the original splint is warmer now as well.

 

[H's mum]

Oh bloody hell SB! you must be the UNLUCKIEST person ever! (Mind you - you're going to cringe at this... guess who broke her splint bone? Yep - H... I believe that H and Forrest were separated at birth!!!!!

H had her splint bone shattered and she had to have an operation straight away - she's returned to full work and has been fine - no probs - I know of other horses that had simple breaks which didn't require surgery just strict box rest - but if I were you I'd get it xray'd asap - if it's rubbing on a suspensory or something it would be best to find out now rather than later

Kate x

 

[seabiscuit]

LOL K !! That made me laugh....yes,I do wonder if H and F have the same Mum...haha !
God, this doesnt affect me anymore, when I saw this splint, I was just like...O...K !! What-ever !! Another problem, ho hum never mind !
Of course I care about the horse, its just I am so used to all these problems now, it just washes over me- I am sure you know what I mean!

The splint is no where near the tendon thank god. Was H's ? Did it look broken or did it just look like a normal splint? The vet will be overjoyed to hear from me yet again on Monday ! Or should I call her tomorrow do you think?

 

[goeslikestink]

gracie broke her splint bone hind straight in half arguing over a tree
um both are my horses well gracie is my daughters my horse won the tree -- due to sunny day -- berks

gracie had to got vets for 2weeks for operations to remove lose bone fragements -- if it didnt heal they was going to take the lower bit out-- but it did- shr returned home on 8 weeks box rest with vet care 3 daily for the first 4 weeks as she had to be flushed

last 4 wks was left to us with week end check ups
then could turn out for 1/2 hr and hand walk 10mins

monthly checks up till clear -- back in work next 6mths building her up nice and slow -- fully fit follwoing yr

 

[seabiscuit]

Thank you- sounds most complicated ! Thanks for explaining anyway..did the insurance cover all of this for you?

 

[UKa]

poor you! I would also suggest an X Ray which is the only way to be certain, my vets have a portable X Ray so it was not too difficult to get done (just clear it with your insurance as pricey!!!).. my girl had such a fracture last year through a kick, she had no surgery just bandages and box rest and she is fully fine now. all the best!

 

[H's mum]

Yes definitely give her a call - oh and book yourself in on their xmas dinner-do too... seeing as though you're single-handedly paying for it for them

...yes I do know what you mean about it all being "oh well.. here we go again" I got to that stage with my tb - thought H was made of stronger stuff but nope - shes' a nightmare too

LOL!!!
Let me know how you get along!
Kate x
PS - how's he going on his diet?

 

[Tootsiepop]

My show jumper fractured his splint bone 3 years ago, the vet did not operate, but told me to box rest for 6 weeks - I thought it was the end and was absolutely devastated. After 6 weeks in the box he came out as sound as a pound. My vet said its quite a common injury and usually has no long term effects. He is still sound today!
Hope yours is feeling better soon