What would you do - horse lame again??

jenh166

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My friend has a rising 7yo ISH gelding who she plans to event (she has ridden at advanced in the past). She has had horse since 3yo, broken him in hersielf and basically done Novice BD and Discovery BSJA. He hasn't evented yet, as he did a check ligament in his 5yo season, and did his suspensory ligament at thte beginning of his 6yo season. These injuries were both on the same leg. Now he's pulled a shoe off in the field on monday and came in hopping (far too lame to just be a shoe pull IMO as he didn't rip any shoe off/tread on nails or clip) - she asked me to look at leg as I was at yard and it is hot and swollen on the inside just below the knee (where the original susp. injury was) - horse been bandaged and icetighted since, shoe due to go back on tomorrow just to rule that out as a cause of lameness. But basically we are thinking he's done his suspensory again. All 3 injuries have happened on the same leg and none have been provoked by strenuous work - he's done 2 of the injuries in the field, and one whilst schooling in the arena...
IMO she should bite the bullet and give up on him now, I know that sounds harsh but everytime he's ready to event, he injures that same leg - I wounder if there is now a waekness there and doubt it'd ever stand up to BE. Am I being harsh, should she give him yet another chance to stay sound?
 
Would suggest the same - get it checked out by a scan and see what the vet thinks. Think your right in that there will always be a weakness there and horse may not be up to eventing, especially as it is so demanding.
 
Yes, I would get some more information (ultrasound or other scan) to help her make an informed decision after discussion with vet. (Particularly if she is insured).
 
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But basically we are thinking he's done his suspensory again

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Well, the vet needs to confirm this and offer some anti-inflamory support as well as a proper diagnosis in the first instance......
 
If he has, get her to find a hydrotherapy/spa and get him down there for a few weeks. It can hugely speed up healing and can help with tissue repair. Definitely worth a go IMHO
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