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Discussion on Exposed bone on both sides of lower left front leg

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Ilona A
Member
Username: ilona

Post Number: 637
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 - 9:51 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Dr.O,
Vivo caught himself between 2 panel and hung himself up. I don't know how long he was hung up for as it occurred during the night. He did manage to rub himself raw on both sides. I found him in the early morning of July 4th...my fireworks started early!
I have posted pictures (not for the faint of heart). These were taken on July 17th, 12 days after the injury.

Does the granulation seem to be progressing appropriately?

I am just relieved we did not have to consider losing Vivo. Obviously he won't be ridden for at least a year. He used to be a performance champion, Peruvian Paso. I will just be happy if he is sound and comfortable.
He is able to bare full weight on 1 gram of Bute twice a day. He is eating normally and frankly I seem to be far more traumatized by this than is he.
Daily treatment:
I hose, scrub with dove soap (gently), hose again, put on Betadine solution followed by amoxi-mast.
I then put on gauze pads, gauze wrap, vet wrap held up with elasticon.
Vivo stands very still for this, actually offering up his leg for me to treat. Obviously it is firmly on the ground as I doctor it. I never wanted to be a nurse and this has tested all my trauma strength. Its amazing to me what I can actually do when given no choice.



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Holly Wood
Member
Username: hwood

Post Number: 2022
Registered: 3-2001
Posted on Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 - 11:38 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Are the two photos taken one of each side of the leg, Ilona? Amazing. Pretty awful, huh? Looks very clean, though.
What kind of panels? Stall panels? Corral panels? Are they curved on the corners? If so, see if you can fill in the top corner where the panels come together.
I saw a stallion rear and get caught in two panels. It was by the grace of God that he got unstuck by himself without serious injury. There are panels that are squared off on the corners, and those are safest if you can get them.
Keep up the good work. Sounds like Vivo is a good patient for you to learn with.
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Lee
Member
Username: paul303

Post Number: 938
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 - 11:55 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

It IS amazing what we can do when faced with no other choice. What a truly miserable wound Ilona. I, too, have been constantly amazed at the stoicism of horses. Many times I have unwrapped a dressing prior to treatment and have had to stick my head between my legs....while the wounded equine is concerned mainly with nudging around hopefully for a treat.

Where is the wound located? I expected to see it in the fetlock area but it isn't. Good luck with the healing - amazing what cold hosing can do.....
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Ilona A
Member
Username: ilona

Post Number: 638
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Sunday, Jul 22, 2007 - 8:51 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Holly,
Yes these were taken on each side of the leg, the wound is about half-way between the knee and fetlock.
I do have squared off panels. I had just moved him into a new coral and I believe he was doing his "getting to know you dance" and came down right where the panels join and somehow managed to squeeze them apart. The vet did comment that it is clear I have made a big effort to horse proof the property (obviously not well enough) and commented that if there is trouble available a horse will find their way there. It took about an hour of cutting the panels with bolt cutters to get him free. He just stood there calm as can be. Once free he lay down and would not get up. I now think it was pure exhaustion (no kidding!) but at the time was concerned that his leg was probably broken. It looked a real mess and I did my best to disinfect and wrap with him down in the interim before the vet came.

Lee,
I think that answers your location question, and, you are correct, the amount of yellow slimy goop that his wound is able to excrete each day does have me gagging, literally. My mantra is "I can do this, I can do this", and it seems I can.
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Melissa Boschwitz
Member
Username: amara

Post Number: 349
Registered: 7-2000
Posted on Sunday, Jul 22, 2007 - 9:21 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

that's not so bad Ilona.. i'm sure he'll be fine...
try not to look at him as your baby when you treat the wound, but instead as an inanimate object with no feelings...you need to very briefly turn off the part of your mind that "cares" and just "get the job done".. if you dont see it as a wound in a flesh and blood creature it might not be so bad for you...

good luck..i'm hoping that when i finally get to bring my horses home (in about 6 weeks) they remember that they dont tend to get into trouble!
ahhh. .. the never ending saga
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Angie J.
Member
Username: ajudson1

Post Number: 1285
Registered: 6-2003
Posted on Sunday, Jul 22, 2007 - 9:27 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Poor guy!!
To help you get through the daily doctoring, just remember that he is sooo dependent on your love and nurturing to come out of this o.k. I cannot doctor people, (no blood for me) clean up people messes (to put it in a good way) but I can care for animals because I know how much they need me to be the strong one and I pour all my attention into what I am doing for the horse or dog.

You'll both be fine.
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Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: corinne

Post Number: 1104
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Sunday, Jul 22, 2007 - 10:09 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

I am so sorry as well. Whenever dressing really severe wounds, either on horses or people, I just focus on the wound and how good the wound looks after management that day, after cleaning and dressing. Then the next day I do the same. The only time I am squimish is when I have to do a wet to dry dressing, and the animal/person is yelping as I am taking the old dressing off. I hate to cause pain but your guy is being wonderfully stoic.
I see that you are following HA wound care and as everyone's testimony here on HA can attest too, it does work. The wounds will heal by secondary intention more quickly than you think so keep the hosing up so you can allow for drainage to escape.
Good luck Ilona and nose kisses for Vivo.

Corinne
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Melissa Baker
Member
Username: mysi

Post Number: 34
Registered: 1-2007
Posted on Sunday, Jul 22, 2007 - 3:31 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

If it makes you feel any better, thats what my horses knees looked like after we fell in the road and after 3 months they were healed, minus hair, I'm still waiting for that. I too have never been able to stomach anything thing of that sort, but what we can do for those we love.

Good luck. I'm sure he loves you even more for taking good care of him.
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Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: dro

Post Number: 18892
Registered: 1-1997
Posted on Sunday, Jul 22, 2007 - 6:12 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

I think the wounds look very good IlonaA though I would like some images further back to better orient the location of these wounds and see the surrounding swelling. I presume the Amoxi-Mast is a amoxicillin based mastitis medication which would be a fine medication for this. Though with good care it might not be needed I will typically put such wounds on systemic antibiotics until the bone is completely covered with granulation tissue.

Your treatment regimen sounds good and I look forward to a pictorial history as this wound heals and I see no reason he will not return to 100% soundness.
DrO
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Ilona A
Member
Username: ilona

Post Number: 640
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Wednesday, Jul 25, 2007 - 9:12 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Dr. O,
Here is an update of the injury 5 days later. There is still a copious amount of yellow excretion when I remove the bandages. I have been surprised at how rapidly the bone has been covered over this period of time.
Antibiotics were administered systemically for the first 10 days, I failed to note that in my first post.
I shall post pictures every 5 days so that progression can be noted.
I am thrilled to hear that he will be 100% sound in the future.

Should I expect the development of proud flesh?

Thank you for your feedback.
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Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: dro

Post Number: 18906
Registered: 1-1997
Posted on Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 - 6:18 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Yes I would think exuberant granulation tissue will develop and need removal once and maybe twice.
DrO
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Judy Henslee
Member
Username: judyhens

Post Number: 88
Registered: 1-2007
Posted on Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 - 4:57 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Ilona,
Your posts inspired me to finish up the posts on the cut our colt sustained, with ~5" of exposed cannon bone. It has healed miraculously! I posted the last picture we took over a month ago. You might enjoy looking at it and the pictures taken soon after the injury. The only things identifying the injury now are white hairs. - But this is a yearling who will turn white...so no long-term problem. I am confident that yours will heal well. The pictures show tremendous healing already. Just keep up the good work!!! - We LOVE Peruvians. What is Vivo's full name?

Good luck!

Judy
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Ilona A
Member
Username: ilona

Post Number: 655
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 8, 2007 - 3:44 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Here is a picture I took this morning, the one of the outside of the leg was blurred will post tomorrow.

Dr O,
I'm worried that the wound as it looks as though it may be infected at the top. I was out of town for a 14 days and I had some-one do the wound care for me. I came home and saw this. The rest of this side I think looks good and the other side looks really good. I will post that one tomorrow.
I see that there is proud flesh forming. I suppose I need the vet to come out to do that. When would you recommend?



Judy,
I will get Vivo's papers out and give you his full breeding name tomorrow when I post
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Lori
Member
Username: maggienm

Post Number: 523
Registered: 6-2004
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 8, 2007 - 6:01 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Ilona, so glad to hear Vivo is healing so well.

What an interesting name, is there a story behind it?
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Judy Henslee
Member
Username: judyhens

Post Number: 97
Registered: 1-2007
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 8, 2007 - 7:19 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Ilona, it looks like the wound is smaller and less deep. Will be interested in Dr. O's impression of the top of the wound. Will also be interested in Vivo's name. Is he "full of life?"
Blessings,
Judy
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Griffin's Mom
Member
Username: sbawer1

Post Number: 16
Registered: 6-2004
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 8, 2007 - 9:12 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Ilona. My mare had similar injuries to both knees after a terrible fall. I used granulex ONCE to remove proud flesh. I thought she was going to fly thru the roof of the barn! After that I found Equaide (www.equaide.com) and used it for a couple of months. She healed completely with just a tiny scar on one of the knees, the other looked perfect. She had no more growth of proud flesh once I started to use it. It is super expensive but I swear by it now and use it for every scratch, cut, injury... it protects the injury from flys and really sticks (even when you wash down the horse) but allows the injury to heal. You can see before and after pictures on their website. Just a thought...
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Ilona A
Member
Username: ilona

Post Number: 656
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 8, 2007 - 11:28 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Griffins Mom,
Thank you so very much. I will try the product, it looks very effective.

I am just waiting on Dr O's thoughts re the top of that one side.

Judy,
Its late for me now , will get those papers out in the morning, and, yes..he is a high stepper who paddles, quite flashy, sensible and full of life without being lively, if you know what I mean.
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Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: dro

Post Number: 18981
Registered: 1-1997
Posted on Friday, Aug 10, 2007 - 12:20 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

I don't see evidence of infection (puss) and it appears to be dried serum and blood but will take a examination to be sure.
DrO
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Ilona A
Member
Username: ilona

Post Number: 662
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Friday, Aug 10, 2007 - 6:57 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks Dr.O
I have attached another photo of the same side with long dried black stuff, I tried to scrub it clean but it won't come off. I was trying to avoid a vet visit (its been such an expensive medical year for my dogs and horses and its only August!), but I guess that is what I will do on Monday. I don't believe it is critical, so can wait until then.
The other side (outside) looks good I think.

Judy,
Vivo's complete name: RRI VIVO reg # 10195 (10105?, can't quite make it out. He is a senior now at almost 15. I've just checked his records on the internet and it seems I was misled (I inherited him through unusual circumstances, and the mis-information is par for the course re the person who gave it to me, sad but true.) He placed 3rd, not Champion. However, he is still MY Champion and always will be.
I know that you are very involved with the Peruvian's and indeed have actual Champions . Your facility, accomplishments and horses are just wonderful.
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Ilona A
Member
Username: ilona

Post Number: 663
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Friday, Aug 10, 2007 - 7:23 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Dr O,
Here are the pictures mentioned above.
I don't know why the pictures came out so large, I can't seem to control that part of photo-shop. So much to learn, so little time.
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Ilona A
Member
Username: ilona

Post Number: 664
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Friday, Aug 10, 2007 - 9:29 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Vivo WAS Champion in 1997. OK so now I eat crow...

AAOBPPH US National Championships
US National Pleasure Division Champion
Pleasure Stallion: RRI Vivo

I gelded him this year and he is a much happier horse, he can be with others at last. It's been a lonely life for him, separate from the others. Now he shares a coral and enjoys a social life.
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Sara Wolff
Member
Username: mrose

Post Number: 3052
Registered: 1-2000
Posted on Saturday, Aug 11, 2007 - 12:35 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Ilona, good job!

Can you fill me in? What is "AAOBPPH" stand for?

I look forward to seeing all your horses and your place.
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Judy Henslee
Member
Username: judyhens

Post Number: 99
Registered: 1-2007
Posted on Saturday, Aug 11, 2007 - 12:08 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi! Congratulations! How wonderful to have a national champion! - AAOBPPH stands for American Assoc. of owners and breeders of peruvian paso horses. That association is no longer functioning I think. We enjoyed showing under that association.

I'm not certain about the RRI. Does anyone know what ranch that stands for?

Looks like he is healing well!

Judy
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Sara Wolff
Member
Username: mrose

Post Number: 3055
Registered: 1-2000
Posted on Saturday, Aug 11, 2007 - 1:34 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks! Live and learn.
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Ilona A
Member
Username: ilona

Post Number: 667
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Saturday, Aug 11, 2007 - 2:46 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Judy,

RRI: Rinconada Ranch Inc. www.rinconadaranch.com/

The Ranch is now located in Tuscon. He was bred by Esther Holubiczkoown owner/operator of Rinconada. There was only one owner of Vivo between her and myself.
I also had the grand-daughter of RRI ORO, one of the most beautiful Peruvians I have ever seen, with the worst disposition I have ever been around. I gave her away to some-one who loves her and with whom she bonded well. I couldn't sell her in good conscience. I really loved her but it was quite unrequited..go figure.
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Judy Henslee
Member
Username: judyhens

Post Number: 100
Registered: 1-2007
Posted on Saturday, Aug 11, 2007 - 5:10 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Ilona,
Thanks for the info. We have know of a couple of horses over the years who just didn't seem to get along well with their owners (owners like me who want "best friends"...horses who run to greet you, nicker when they see you, and are true partners). Each of these horses were relocated to owners who actually preferred more aloof horses. In both cases the end result was a happier horse and happier owner. Unrequited love is terrible! :-)

Judy
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