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Discussion on Treating Laminitis with Deep Digital Flexor Tenotomy
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Member:
Steveb
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 30, 2005 - 3:21 pm:
Our 28-year-old (!) Dutch Warmblood just completed Deep Digital Flexor Tenotomy for his chronic laminitis, and seems to be doing well. He has long suffered from Cushings Disease and from congestive heart failure, but as long as he is bright-eyed and interactive, we are doing what we can to keep him comfortable and with us. This procedure was done by our local vet who is optimistic that Unicum will have many months more on this earth. Anyone interested in reading about this procedure can check it out at: https://www.rounsevell.com/steinbeckequine/ddft.html
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 31, 2005 - 8:01 am:
Stephen, good link that explains the procedure. We cover the link between the DDF and rotation, briefly mention tenotomy, and discuss a alternate procedure that we have substituted for DDF tenotomy in the article, Equine Diseases » Lameness » Diseases of the Hoof » Founder & Laminitis » Founder & Laminitis an Overview. fIn case of chronic nonresponsive founder tenotomy is a better choice of the 2 procedures.
Stephen did you try pergolide for the founder?
DrO
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Member:
Steveb
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Posted on Friday, Apr 8, 2005 - 8:49 pm:
Yes, Unicum had been on twice-daily doses of Pergolide for several years, primarily to treat his Cushings. He was also on Lasix and Enalapril to treat his congestive heart failure.
I write that in the past tense, DrO, because he departed this life Wednesday night. He hadn't been eating much since the DDFT so, in addition to his pellets and other processed feeds, we were giving him small amounts of grass and oat hay, which he loved (the Vet said it should be OK). He was doing fairly well until late Wednesday afternoon, when he colicked. The Vet came out to treat him but we couldn't control the pain, so the decision was made to put him down. It was sad, but he had a long and glorious life.
In his prime he was a superb show jumper, and even jumped a six-foot four-inch Puissance wall at the Monterey National. He competed and won ribbons in every division at approved A-level shows--children's hunters & jumpers, adult amateur hunters & jumpers, equitation, medals, amateur-owner hunters & jumpers, and the open division. We'll miss him.
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Member:
Lilo
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 9, 2005 - 3:53 pm:
My sincere condolences. It sounds like he was one of those very special horses - but then, so are all those that we share our lives with.
Lilo
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 9, 2005 - 4:23 pm:
My deepest condolences too Stephen. When the horses are hurting hours seem like days perhaps now both Unicum and you can get a bit of rest.
DrO
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 9, 2005 - 4:49 pm:
Stephen, Unicum sounds like he was a fantastic horse with a lot of "go" and "do" I'm so sorry for your loss. We had to put one of our great old broodmares down this past Monday, so I truely share your loss. It is terrible, but I know life goes on and eventually we recover and go on too.
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Member:
Shirl
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 9, 2005 - 7:24 pm:
Stephen, My sincere Condolences Stephen. Losing a beloved animal is one of the worst experiences we have. He will always remain a part of your life and memories.
Shirl
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