|
|
Discussion on Swollen Tendon
|
| Author |
Message |
Member:
Leilani
|
Posted on Wednesday, Jun 28, 2006 - 6:11 pm:
Dr O,
Yesterday I noticed mild swelling of a tendon on my 5yo mare's left hind leg. My vet advised to sweat it and wait for a week with no riding and see what happens. Looking at the illustration I believe it is the superficial flexor tendon.
I used your recipe of nitrofurozone, plastic wrap and vet wrap. My question is how long should I leave the sweat on? I checked her this morning and it was still on. Should I remove it and reapply a fresh one this afternoon?
Also, I can't remember your 80/10/10 rule regarding treatments and outcomes. Would you mind posting it again. Mahalo. Leilani
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Thursday, Jun 29, 2006 - 7:04 am:
Hello Leilani,
Generally 12 hours on and 12 hours off is routine. 80 percent of illnesses will get better no matter what you do, 10 percent will get worse no matter what you do, and it is 10% where proper diagnosis and treatment will really effect your outcome.
DrO
|
Member:
Leilani
|
Posted on Saturday, Jul 1, 2006 - 1:07 am:
Thank you Dr O. My next question is: the swelling on her tendon has not gone down that much. I don't think the sweating helped.
The swelling in on the inside of her R hind leg. The tendon was some what warm when I got to the ranch this afternoon, but she was not in pain and the temperature was also warm. I used cold water therapy for 10 mins and the heat decreased.
I really think my vet should ultrasound so that we know what we are up against. I think I know when she did it, running down the hill with another gelding to see who gets to the food first. Sigh...
Any suggestions? An article in the horse.com today mentioned blood platelets injected into the injury. Many thanks (mahalo nui loa) for your help. Leilani
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Sunday, Jul 2, 2006 - 9:55 pm:
Leilani, if you feel your vet is not doing all that they should you need to seek a second opinion. The research on platelet injection into tendon/ligament injuries has not impressed me.
DrO
|
Member:
Leilani
|
Posted on Monday, Jul 3, 2006 - 3:18 pm:
Thank you Dr O. Leilani
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Tuesday, Jul 4, 2006 - 8:09 am:
Rereading your posts Leilani, I wonder if it really is the tendon swollen or in there fluid accumulation around the tendon, which may or may not be tendon related. Of course the US will help answer that question but is there any lameness is the swelling soft or firm? Does it pit? For a description of assessing swellings see, Diseases of Horses » Skin Diseases » Swellings / Localized Infection / Abscesses » Diagnosing and Assessing Swellings in Horses.
DrO
|
Member:
Leilani
|
Posted on Wednesday, Jul 5, 2006 - 5:43 pm:
Thank you so much Dr. O. This is what I saw/felt yesterday. Swelling with no heat, left hind leg inside of cannon, above fetlock but not extending to the hock. No edema. The cold/hot therapy does not seem to help.
I think an US is called for now. I will keep you posted. Leilani
|
|
|
