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Discussion on 11 year old KWPN with torn check ligament
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Member:
pinehurs
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Posted on Friday, Nov 14, 2008 - 4:04 pm:
Our jumper has a torn check ligament in the front right; a paddock injury. Substantial swelling at the tendon below the knee as well as on the inside near the ankle.
We have been poulticing and treating with ice and bute for past 2 days since it happened, and the vet came out today to ultrasound, confirmed it is the check ligament that is torn.
What can you tell me about an injury of this nature?
Recommended treatments?
What are the chances of full recovery and return to level 5 show jumping?
I have read the material on check ligaments posted here, but see it is more referring to strains or sprains, or else having the ligament cut, rather than actual tears. Any insight you can provide would be great!!
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Nov 15, 2008 - 9:09 am:
Hello Pinehurst,
How old is your showjumper and what is the breed? These will effect the prognosis somewhat. Is it possible to get the ultrasound report so we can know more about the size and location of the lesion within the check ligament? Often anechoic areas are found on ultrasound examination of a inflamed check ligament and it is uncertain if these are areas that are torn or whose consistency is like that of the surrounding tissue therefore giving back no signal. In either case it would be a sign of severe desmopathy.
Treatment for severe sprains, including tears, would be the same as in the article though a longer period until swelling and soundness return should be expected. A treatment modality that has not been explored with check ligament disease is injection of autologous stem cells, in tendonitis with tears it is felt a better healing occurs. Currently there are several procedures that you can read about at Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Diseases of the Lower Limb » Flexor Tendinitis.
With the information we have so far and considering the desire to return to upper level show jumping the prognosis is likely to be guarded.
DrO
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Saturday, Nov 15, 2008 - 9:37 am:
KWPN = Dutch Warmblood. Really a registry and not a breed.
Likely imported since it's typically KWPN-NA for North America bred horses.
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