Equine & Horse Advice: Best Prognosis For Severed Deep Digital Flexor Tendon

Discussion on Best Prognosis For Severed Deep Digital Flexor Tendon

Use the navigation bar above to access articles and more discussions on this topic.

Author

Message

Dawn Friesen (Dartanyn)

Posted on Thursday, Dec 7, 2000 - 9:13 am:

Dr. O; I am hoping to get any response in a very short amount of time to minimize the impact on my horse to the best possible prognosis for a horse with a severed deep digital flexor tendon on his left hind leg. Barb wire went through the tissue laterally and cut the surface and went through that tendon. As I understand from my vet - the tendon beneath that one is intact and is why my horse could walk the distance (carefully & painfully) back to the barn. Pain killer was only used after the horse had had several hours of distress the evening of the injury and he has been on bute and penicillin until my recent vet call yesterday. My vet indicated that alot of people put a horse down with this type of injury; but that the 2 instances he knew of involving recovery left 1 of the horses alive and well, but not rideable, and the other rideable at a walk on gentle surfaces. It is imperative that I have ANY input from ANYONE with experience that presents a possibility of a better recovery prognosis (granted that is with all immediate and ongoing care being the best possible). I am willing to try with him as his personality and stick-with-it-ness certainly would justify the effort. But I do not want to "bark up a tree" either. I am also feeling that the personality type of this horse is such that a lazy life would not be easily tolerated. I didn't feel that much of his current care or medications was a necessary run-down for you (or any other seeing fit to provide input) until I can make the all-important decision to try or not. I thank you ahead of time for any assistance or input!!!! Dawn Friesen.

Dawn Friesen (Dartanyn)

Posted on Thursday, Dec 7, 2000 - 9:58 am:

Sorry, brain is in a twist and I think before most would give any idea of a prognosis they would want to know what they were starting with: my horse is 5 years old, saddlebred/quaterhorse mix, 16.5 H, in good health and good physical condition. Also, the injury occurred Saturday afternoon, he was initially pressure-wrapped due to a severed artery; and has had the wound thoroughly cleaned by: his own arterial bleeding, a BP & water solution and NFZ dressing. Both legs are wrapped now for support and he is bright eyed and bushly tailed (as can be for what has happened). Thanks!

Robert N. Oglesby DVM (Dro)

Posted on Friday, Dec 8, 2000 - 7:02 am:

Hello Dawn,
I don't really see a question in the above post. You do seem to want a prognosis but without seeing your horse we cannot do that and it would also depend on your goals.

At what level is the DDF severed and is it conpletely cut: does the toe elevate off the ground? Without seeing the wound and the specific injuries it is difficult to generalize beyond those principles that are layed out in the first aid article on wound care.
DrO

Dawn Friesen (Dartanyn)

Posted on Friday, Dec 8, 2000 - 9:14 am:

I guess what I am looking for is your best "recovery" story regarding any horse with a completely cut through, deep digital flexor tendon. My horse has received a wound from barb wire that he backed up against (hidden in soft soil) that made a 4 inch gash below his fetlock and above his coronet band on his left rear leg. The gash was deep enough to severe the deep digital, but only nick the next suspensory ligament behind that. As I said, he is 5 years old, 16.5 H, saddlebred/quarterhorse mix; and an extremely positive and easy keeper. He is starting off this injury with good health and a good diet, and received all his booster shots about 1 month ago. He has a stable mate who is loving and supportive. So really, along with excellent care; he definitely has an edge on things. However, due to all the information I have heard from those with "hands on" experience with such an injury - both laypeople and 2 vetrinarians; my current outlook on his prognosis is not good; and doesn't sound like a challenge I will be up to if I don't hear of anyone with a better "story" to tell. That is really what I am looking at.....not so much a vet judgement call; as your "hands on" vetrinarian experience(s), if any. Thank you for your reply; I will review any posts to help make my decision. Thanks! Dawn.

Dawn Friesen (Dartanyn)

Posted on Friday, Dec 8, 2000 - 5:42 pm:

One more additional info - NO, the toe is not pointing up, it was the deep tendon, but not the tendon directly behind that one which is why he could "walk home". He limps on it, will stand with light pressure on it, and is laying down off and on due to it. Hope that helps some too. The reason I am seeking "stories" is I am trying to find finished products that leave my horse with a reasonable to good existance after all the intermediate care is finished. Thanks ahead of time for even reading these posts; answers or suggestions, or stories are appreciated!!!

Diane Edmonds (Scooter)

Posted on Friday, Dec 8, 2000 - 9:01 pm:

Hi Dawn, I wouldn't like to give you false hope but I had a mare with the exact same damage, plus was down to her bone. The vet said if she didn't die of a bone infection we had a slight chance. Well to make a very long story short, after 1.5 yrs she was trail sound. So it is possible the vet said he had one other recover from such an injury. It is a long journey and just the proud flesh battle is exhausting. Good Luck whatever your decision.

Dawn Friesen (Dartanyn)

Posted on Saturday, Dec 9, 2000 - 2:07 am:

Wow, thanks Diane....hands on experience counts a bundle in this. My dilemma has been whether to put him down before alot of stress accumulates on him or me if the ultimate end was not going to be good. Your experience coupled with further information I got from my own vet and a consultant vet is heartening enough for me to try. I've battled the proud flesh for a horse before on an extensor tendon injury and can deal with that. I was really concerned about any sort of use of the horse after all the treatment and rehab I know he'll go through. His personality is definitely a "keeper". Just got through re-bandaging tonight, he handled it much better, got the wound area squeaky clean and dry - in fact he seemed to enjoy the dry rubbing so long as it wasn't directly on the wound. Swelling has remained minimal, and not getting any nasty smells coming up when I am removing the bandaging....I guess he gets to have a shot at recovery, so I will call off the "wagon" I set up. Thank you so much, granted there are no guarantees, but horse ownership is always like that, it's just nice to hear from someone on the other side of the tunnel with something good to say to help the heart motivation. Dr. O - still would love to hear if you have any experiences and where the toughest areas in recovery might be. I.E., adhesions, shoeing, etc. Thanks....Dawn

Robert N. Oglesby DVM (Dro)

Posted on Saturday, Dec 9, 2000 - 6:37 am:

There does seem to be some confusion about the extent of the problem: when the deep digital flexor tendon becomes severed the toe will elevate off the ground. It is the DDf that keeps the toe on the ground. If it is severed or damaged significantly an extended heel shoe will remarkably support the structure while it heals.

Diane misspeaks when she says her injury was exactly the same: no two injuries are exactly the same and they certainly can't be compared with the scant amount of information here. Even two cuts that look similar may have small punctures or blunt trauma that signicantly affect treatment and outcome.

I know I seem a bit of a prude on this but it is critical you understand the limitations here. It really takes a thorough exam by a knowledgable person to prognosicate wounds in this area. I have to admit my reluctance to comment is also related to the fact that the clincial signs do not agree with the diagnosis: completely severed DDF tendon.
DrO

Dawn Friesen (Dartanyn)

Posted on Saturday, Dec 9, 2000 - 7:09 pm:

Thank you Dr. O - I do understand your reluctance to comment but appreciate beyond belief your participation in this discussion. It has helped me to formulate better questions for my vet. I have to say also, the sections on deep wound care and tendons, along with diagrams have been a fantastic resource for me. When my own vet finally made it out 5 days after the incident; I was mentally armed with much of what would be the care, control, medication and healing process. I discovered your article addressing adhesions which helped me to pose that to my vet right off the cuff. I am now extremely curious as to the "completely severed" DDF too....my horse walked over a mile home, and has been stepping toe down (granted very ouchily) on that leg ever since the occurrence. The shoes are what my vet posed as part of the rehabilitation process also. We are going to get the professional opinion of a vet surgeon who has dealt with several of these types of injuries. That should pretty much solidify the direction I am now committed to - trying to restore the horse to the best possible condition. Also, Diane's story, though maybe not the "same", definitely gave me the emotional boost I needed when I had already scheduled for my horse to be put down Sunday. At the very least I needed someone with a positive story concerning a tendon injury in that area of the leg. My vet concurs with your opinion 100% - NO TWO INJURIES ARE THE SAME. Any further input or advice would be welcome, as this is going to be a "long haul" item for me and the horse - and I guess my greater concern than healing the wound and the infections (none have reared their ugly heads - no pun intended) will be the adhesion issues during the mending process. Thanks again! Dawn

Diane Edmonds (Scooter)

Posted on Saturday, Dec 9, 2000 - 9:39 pm:

Good luck Dawn and I hope you are sucsessful. It is a long haul and many times I questioned myself but it was worth it, as Dr O. said I'm sure they are not exactly the same, however the same tendons were involved. It's been many years ago but if I remeber right I had to completely stall her for months it seemed, with some hand walking. Believe me she didn't walk well. Had to keep the wound exteremly clean. When she was finally somewhat mobile I put her out in pasture and kept the wound rapped so it wouldn't get dirty and also put a shipping boot over that to protect from knocking it on something. Good Luck

Dawn Friesen (Dartanyn)

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 12, 2000 - 4:39 pm:

Dr. O, had my followup visit from my vet today; interviewed him on the injury and had a medical diagram book with a beautiful back of the fetlock/pastern/hoof area and all tendons/ligaments numbered and labeled on it. Basically, his diagnosis: traverse laceration plantar mid-pastern, severed DDF tendon, can bear some weight - suspensory apparatus intact. His followup visit was: wound is starting to cover with granulation tissue, "he looks great!". It seems we have a good handle on how to keep the wound clean and uninfected, he is getting bute (1 1/2 - 1 gram) and septra at 15 tablets - both twice a day currently and he is set for another 10 days or so; The wound is cleaned with a Betadine solution, dried, then Nitrofurozone directly on & in the wound, held in place, and quilt wrapped for padding and protection along with the other leg for uniform support. My questions are: how anxious should I be about the amount of antibiotics he is taking now that granulation tissue is forming (I don't want a sore tummy or worse, colic); and what about his useage of that leg, will that promote adhesions if he is "feeling good" from too much painkiller bute? He is probably about 1,000 pounds, maybe a little heavier, and 16.5 H tall. All his eating, drinking, pooping, peeing and personality have held up to this point; but I know that complications can mean setbacks so I'm hoping to avoid them since everything to this point has been so much on the up and up. I hope you can review this and give me a post, let me know if I've left you lacking some info. again, it won't be intentionally!

Robert N. Oglesby DVM (Dro)

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 13, 2000 - 12:14 pm:

You will find information, including the side effects, on Septra (Trimethoprim sulfa) in the antibiotic section. I cannot say to much about the bute question, again your vet would be the best judge of this. You have to balance the question you rise with the fact he could damage the opposite good leg, either tendinitis or founder, by bearing too much weight on it over time.
DrO

Dawn Friesen (Dartanyn)

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 13, 2000 - 4:11 pm:

I read the information on Trimethoprim sulfa; the dosage my horse is receiving seems maybe 4-5 pills high for his total weight, but then again, the vet only has him on this increased dosage during the initial wound care and IS planning on removing that from his regime when the wound has filled in. As to the bute, your right, I should counter-balance cutting that back as he is utilizing the other leg alot, especially during the last couple of hours before I show up with his next dose. I guess I'll try to relax now and go with the current orders without questioning anything - since the goal is to get over the 3-4 week hump of possibility of infection. Thanks again Dr. O! I have re-read these posts, and it's amazing how much more I glean each time through.....can't thank you or all at HA enough for knowing your there, your care, and support is available. Well, onward ho!!! Dawn

Julie Markich (Julieann)

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 13, 2000 - 9:03 pm:

Dawn,
I would like to wish you and your big fella the best of luck in your journey ahead.
I is great to see that you have not given up, it seems he has not given up also.
I have seen people write of good horses that were saveable and people that have battled on through the worst of odds and sometimes loosing. You sound very level headed and i think this kind of common sence is the most usefull tool when dealing with a situation like this (and a GOOD vet)
If at the end of this he is no longer rideable but comfortable there is still a number of things he can do to "earn his keep" some geldings make good "nannys" to weanlings without mothering them too much, they can also be great for special/handicapp children to pat and talk to, children with permanant injuries can relate to animals who have also had permanant damage; so not being rideable does not have to mean not usefull.
Best wishes to you both.
Julie

Dawn Friesen (Dartanyn)

Posted on Thursday, Jan 11, 2001 - 7:45 pm:

Dr. O, It appears you're vindicated in that unlike my vet, my shoer concurs that he feels the tendon is not completely severed as the horse moves around too well, and although the toe will tend to point up if you drag his foot backwards along the ground, it doesn't point up at a standstill on it's own. I couldn't make a judgement call either way even after all my own research and asking other owners as I suppose very few cases where an owner tries to rehabilitate this type of injury exist. My question is, will this (a NOT completely cut through tendon) have any additional benefit medically speaking or recovery-wise? When you had previously inquired as to what level the DDF was severed I'm not certain in dictating my vet's diagnosis whether that indicated it well to you or not, the DDF is cut/severed just about exactly between the fetlock and the heel bulb; the wound resulting was as large as a man's clenched fist, but has gone to an oval about walnut size which we are still working on to prevent a large(or any) scarring by keeping proud flesh under control. The shoer removed all shoes and afixed an eggbar with a 2 degree pad along with rolling the toe for him. He seems much happier now, as the toe was getting long. My shoer seems to feel a more reasonable timeframe for riding recovery is 1 1/2 to 2 years timeframe rather than my vets opinion of 1 to 1 1/2 years. Any opinion on this would be appreciated as well.

Robert N. Oglesby DVM (Dro)

Posted on Friday, Jan 12, 2001 - 4:33 am:

I cannot really make a guess Dawn without having seen the injury. It strikes be there is some agreement beetween your farrier and vet: lets call it 1 1/2 yrs.
DrO

Dawn Friesen (Dartanyn)

Posted on Friday, Jan 12, 2001 - 11:43 am:

Thanks for quick response Dr. O, I reviewed the sections on rehabilitating injured tendons and I'm certain I will be following some form of that over the next 6 months to year. Julieann's suggestions for a petting-pony if he doesn't rehabilitate well is good. I know of a farm not 30 miles from here that does just that. I'm performing the whole care-thing, however, from the perspective that I will be left with a useable and happy horse; hopefully sound as can be. A small warning to any riders who are in what use to be "cattle country". The barb wire my horse hung up in was wrapped around trees (no posts to flag me) and the tree trunk had grown around and over it; from there, through the years, the metal fatigued and sank down to soil level where it was covered up and couldn't be seen at all. I'm certain most of us riders in such cattle country have heard this before, BUT Do Not even go a couple of steps off the trail as it will be too late to correct your error! I had let my horse wander a couple of steps for a few bites of grasses (I was up riding) and that's where he stepped into soft soil and came up with the wire around his foot - unfortunately - it tensioned between the trees and a couple of the strands broke because of being so old, but not the one "that got him". Just a reminder, so others can learn from my sad mistake. Thanks all!

Dawn

cj stumpf (Cjstumpf)

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 21, 2001 - 9:35 pm:

Hi Dawn,

I hope things are still progressing well with your horse. Since you've decided to give it a try I have another story to add that may be encouraging.

My friend's Morgan gelding got caught in a wire fence just below the hock several years ago. By the time he freed himself he had cut through the extensor tendons and 1/2" into the bone, with the cut entending over half the circumference of the bone around the front of the leg.

Like yours, the horse was bright, alert, and surprisingly mobile despite extensive blood loss, severed tendons, and damaged bone, and she decided to give it a go. Four hours of surgery and a year later, he was (and remains) reasonably sound, comfortable, and rideable. They trail ride, jump trail obstacles, and do basic dressage.

While extensor tendons are quite a different matter from DDF injuries, even in this case the medical folks were not all that optimistic about the degree of recovery to expect. To be honest, I probably would have put the horse down in her place, so it's doubly nice to be able to write this. Good luck with your boy.

Regards,

-CJ

Dawn Friesen (Dartanyn)

Posted on Thursday, Feb 22, 2001 - 3:26 am:

CJ, thanks for sharing a story....I have, thankfully, finally encountered a few which actually involve the DDF, also - at the level where Dartanyan severed his - between the heel bulb and the fetlock on the back leg. My shoer has had experience with corrective shoeing for this type of injury and my guy is reaping the benefits at this time while he is healing. To be honest....I figured I was to put this guy down initially too. I'm glad I didn't, I can see even at this short stage into a long-term recovery that he'll at least go sound enough for being around children, and probably disabled children at that, with his gentleness. I have read the posts concerning your horse in order to draw in a feel for tendon injuries, recoveries, treatments, and the like. It has been an interesting series of posts to me....as I really am not in much of a position to pursue a range of treatments. Everything I have covered through HA, Anvil, Net Vet, and other sites, in addition to the layman's vetrinary aid books and others experiences has shown that the best thing for all tendon injuries appears to be the rest and then subsequent careful, and staged, rehabilitation process. As Dartanyan's wound is healed (beautifully, no scar - thanks to Dr.O's sections on Proud Flesh, Deep Wound Care, Bandaging, and others); I am into the waiting period with a couped up critter. I hope your convelescing critter is holding up well and you are able to see him regularly. The benefit I have been reaping is keeping my horse on the property and around his good buddy and in familiar surroundings: all this has kept him as much himself as ever. The only thing different is his activity and the level of grain (basically - none); diet didn't have to change as he was already free-fed grass hays. Again, thanks for sharing the story, it does encourage me....each and every story I hear now does because I see in each one just how little control we really can exercise overall; and how much is dependant on good health/healing, youth, strong breed, and many other factors that you can't change; but if they're there - they are a definite "edge". Sounds like the age and breed of your horse; aside from his personality, could do just that as well. Best to you, and keep us all updated through your postings - like I said, I've been following them from the start!

Dawn

Dawn Friesen (Dartanyn)

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 4, 2001 - 9:24 pm:

Just a followup report on this forum item. Vet and Shoer visit today. Both had only an excellent report to give. No tendon tissue connecting the "gap" yet; but Dartanyan has learned to swing his foot into the proper position for stepping, and walks without a limp. He looks bright and sparkley; the shoer commented that in all the cases he has worked on; he's never seen a horse look so good, so fast, and have so little mis-shaping from fluids in the injured leg, in addition to a hairline scar only. He was very impressed. Thrilled to say that the scariest part is over, the most dangerous part is over, and the road to recovery and reuse is looking more paved with gold. Will post an update in a few months when controlled - timed walks begin. Again, thanks to all for support, and thank you for this site! Dawn

Robert N. Oglesby DVM (Dro)

Posted on Thursday, Apr 5, 2001 - 7:06 am:

Thanks Dawn,
DrO

Dawn Friesen (Dartanyn)

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 20, 2001 - 9:11 pm:

Ya-haa! 7 Months (a little under) into the whole affair and vet left today with another glowing report! Seems Dart has been wise enough to restrain his behavior and has done significant rehabilitation on his leg. We walked him out and range of motion for the leg is equivalent to the opposite leg. No limping apparent at a walk, and significant restructuring of the tendon has occurred. Vet feels that the small 1% wedge pad will come off in the next shoeing, and go to a regular bar shoe from the egg bar for the next 6 months from there. As a kudos to this site: Someone else had posted somewhere on this board that they had a horse too "keyed" to be able to perform proper rehab-walks like are recommended for tendon restructuring; therefore they had re-formed their paddock area to allow the horse opportunity and area to do it himself (length with no width to prevent ongoing gallop/buck sessions). I suggested this to my vet - who whole-heartedly agreed with the idea and highly recommended it. So, Dart's pretty much in charge of bringing himself the rest of the way around; he gets a 60' x 15-20' paddock so that he can stretch out for the remainder of the time until I take him back out in his hilly terrain for handwalks. I guess this will make for two-thirds of the way to "HOME" for this injury (first being wound closure w/no infection & minimal scar). Wanted to keep up the posts in case anyone else ever winds up in this boat - I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, but glad to say that my vet was more visionary and could see Dart's potential better than I. Will post again when up and riding....thanks all for support, for a great site, and keep posting - you don't know who is reading and how much they may benefit! Dawn

Robert N. Oglesby DVM (Dro)

Posted on Thursday, Jun 21, 2001 - 8:20 am:

Congrats Dawn,
Please continue to let us know your progress and experiences.
DrO

Diane Edmonds (Scooter)

Posted on Thursday, Jun 21, 2001 - 9:15 pm:

Dawn congratulations on Darts progress I know what a long haul it is.

Dawn Friesen (Dartanyn)

Posted on Friday, Jun 22, 2001 - 11:46 am:

Thanks Dr.O, Thanks Diane! Diane, I know your "long-haul" story...gotta say to you: that really helped pull my head around early on, I seriously do not know what I would have been like, or been able to accomplish without your hands-on experience. Thank you VERY much! Hope horsey life is treating you well and rewarding you with healthy, happy creatures of late! Dawn

Dawn Friesen (Dartanyn)

Posted on Friday, Aug 17, 2001 - 3:46 pm:

Followup Vet Check/Shoer Visit. Dart is now on the eggbar only with no elevation pad. He is sound even at a trot so the Vet is considering placing him on light riding status beginning of next month. Amazing! The living body can really be so fragile and yet so strong at the same time. Shoer says that barefoot'n it has made the soles and shape of hoof great on the other 3 feet. Somehow the imbalance he expected to see from a changed weight-bearing has never occurred; so things look terrific. He was a little concerned about how soon the riding looks like it could be done. I'm curious Dr.O - from a vet's perspective, would this be like in any young horse where some additional stress on the tendon would be beneficial by causing a bit of a breakdown & remodeling? I think he is expecting to do a field ultra-sound to see what condition the tendon is in before authorizing the riding; but I guess I had expected to run at minimum 1 year before legging-up, and more likely 1 1/2 years. Other than that small question, all is very bright & chipper!

Robert N. Oglesby DVM (Dro)

Posted on Saturday, Aug 18, 2001 - 7:50 am:

Yes, and the trick is to apply just enough stress to help the scar organize in as strong a manner as possible while not tearing the tissue further. The use of ultrasound can greatly help with this judgement but it does require experience with these type lesions and their appearance on ultrasound.
DrO

Dawn Friesen (Dartanyn)

Posted on Saturday, Aug 18, 2001 - 10:32 am:

Thank you...I'll look forward to seeing the ultrasound plus the effect riding will have on him. He hasn't gone lame once yet during the rehabilitation process, and I have yet to see him with the leg ever more swollen than each previous day - it has progressively gone down; albiet, slowly. I'll report again when the next step is taken. Dawn

Dawn Friesen (Dartanyn)

Posted on Monday, Oct 1, 2001 - 10:55 pm:

Ultrasound completed. Very interesting...the vet freeze-framed it and pointed out the area "under construction". The U.C. Davis site had a example of an ultrasound on a good and on a ruptured tendon; that helped alot when my vet was explaining it to me. I can see the "hole" that is where the sever occurred - but it has lots of the white lines of more solid tissue crossing the dark areas.There was a thin connecting area of tendon tissue that looked beautifully aligned (linear) and then the rest is the scar tissue.

So he is gaining control of that foot nicely, but there is not enough there to let him move with weight on him in any other manner than a sedate walk on level ground. I'm opting for keeping him going out on his hilly, rocky terrain for handwalks, as when he returns he is so excited he goes for self-exercise in his own little paddock! The shoer has graduated him to a open-extended heel shoe now and I'm hoping his contracted heel area starts to open up. He is moving wonderfully, and if I didn't know what had happened last year - I'd be hard pressed to notice any faults! So excited to see this type of recovery, can't believe how well things have gone. Looking forward to seeing the next ultrasound in January which should show up much more tendon tissue. Oh....thank you....thank you....thank you....thank you....etc. For all the articles, all the support, all the experiences and the benefit of "on tap" knowledge! This is such a site (especially after having perused simply hundreds of sites out there!). I noticed you were doing "improvements" on the site - although, I can't imagine how you could improve it much more! Sincerely, Dawn & Dartanyan (AKA - Happy Feet!)

Robert N. Oglesby DVM (Dro)

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 2, 2001 - 7:50 am:

Well there it is, the answer to the big question last year: was it completely ruptured? Just that little bit that was not severed through makes a remarkable difference in the way it heals because the tissue remains alignes and the scar much smaller. What does UC davis give as a prognosis? Thank you for the kind words Dawn.
DrO

Dawn Friesen (Dartanyn)

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 2, 2001 - 6:33 pm:

My vet indicates Dartanyan should go 100% back to the horse I was using him for. As for anything fancier than rugged mountain riding; that's not something I ever intend to pursue and I think this pony is a keeper now; what with all the love, anxiety, care, and response between us. I think I'll be (hopefully) seeing him into his old age and dottage! So, barring any problems in the remaining recovery program - he's my trail riding buddy again! Thanks Dr. O! Thanks all! On to new postings (of others, not my own).....Dawn

Dawn Friesen (Dartanyn)

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 16, 2002 - 9:05 pm:

Okay, another post on this one as the shoer is still doing modifications each time he watches my horse move on the last set of shoes. Also, vet was out for a followup since we are not yet near putting Dartanyan to a canter with a rider yet, and no "uncontrolled" sand ring time yet either. It's been interesting to see the shoer move from the 2 degree wedge pad and egg bar shoe, down to the egg bar alone after 9 months, and then on to a extended heel steel shoe with slight curves out at the heel and squared toe (squared toe on opposite hind also) and this time he felt he'd do just the extended heel shoe with the squared toe on both backs, but beveled the front on the problem leg. Wow, intricate stuff, and I am certainly glad for the experience he has had in dealing with these injuries. Vet says the balanced muscle in both hindquarters shows that Dartanyan is healing well; but he shows a "2" lame on the trot so we aren't advancing his rehab any further than the 5 minutes trot, 20 minutes walking we are doing currently (with rider). He indicated that at least another 6 months should pass before Dartanyan is back as far as we can expect - so with the progress I've already seen I expect he should do well. Just wanted to bring up to speed the postings and round them out with some of the shoeing which is so vital to good recovery in this type of injury from everything I've read and seen. Thanks all...keep posting and updating, I'm enjoying this site immensely as I'm going on year 3 of being a part of it! Dawn

Linda T. Threlkeld
New Member
Username: Mtca

Post Number: 1
Registered: 10-2002

Posted on Friday, Oct 11, 2002 - 12:56 am:

We have a mare with a severely contracted flexor tendon in her front leg. The knee above has arthritus and has swelled over the years to the size of a cantelope which may have affected the tendon. She is knuckled over and has trouble bearing any weight on it. We have been wrapping it for support and have tried splinting the back of the leg, then the front with little positive results.

We are now to the point where our vet says to cut the flexor tendon. The question is do we cut the superficial flexor, the deep ,or both? And if we cut both won't she just break backwards and walk on her heels ? Help!

Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro

Post Number: 7085
Registered: 1-1997

Posted on Friday, Oct 11, 2002 - 8:30 am:

Hello Linda,
What are your goals with this horse?

The short answer to your question is you cut those that are contracted and interfering with proper extension, it could be one or both. The way to tell which are contracted is explained at » Equine Diseases » Foal Diseases » Tendon Laxity and Contracture. We will worry about complications once we know what surgery is required.
DrO
PS, when you post a new question you should start your own discussion and not post it at the bottom of someone else's thread. When you create your own discussion, it keeps discussions easy to read and you will get more responses quicker. The buttons for starting new threads are at the bottom of most pages with a list of subtopic titles on it. For more on this see the "Before you post" topic besides the "Add your Message" label on the form below. Go ahead and post follow up here and I will move this into its own discussion on my next post.

Dawn Friesen
Member
Username: Dartanyn

Post Number: 112
Registered: 8-2002

Posted on Thursday, Dec 5, 2002 - 2:18 pm:

Well, closing this saga out thankfully. My horse was seen for this for the (hopefully) final time. I have been allowed to let him go barefoot for the winter. The vet feels that whatever healing and mending can be done/has been done at this point in time; and it seems that Dartanyan will be left with a form of mechanical lameness only really evident at the trot or on any tight circles - neither of which is of great concern due to his pleasure trail useage only. He did not become a pasture ornament, and his demeanor is as chipper as it was at 3 years old. If anything, his thoughtfulness at any new encounter is one of the most pronounced changes from this whole affair. Anyway, wanted to close the post out: there is life after a severed tendon, even a support tendon at that; but I'd emphasize that the horses disposition and constitution have an immense impact on that, in addition to speedy vetrinarian care. Thanks so much for the site, it continues to be an enormous resource for reassurance, information, education, locating helps, and just plain fun and interesting! Keep up all the posts all! Dawn, Dartanyan, Wildfire, and new to us: Tony Pony!!! :-)

Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro

Post Number: 7389
Registered: 1-1997

Posted on Thursday, Dec 5, 2002 - 4:29 pm:

Good Luck Dawn, Let us how it goes.
DrO