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Discussion on Breeding Mare with fracture
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 31, 2002 - 9:17 pm:
I have a boarder whose 10 y o Lippizan mare (grand prix dressage horse!) broke her long pastern bone in 2 places about 2 weeks ago. The owner opted not to do surgery that would have placed 3 pins in the bone to stabilize and help with healing. She is now casted and the vet recommends keeping this cast on for 6 weeks, then replacing it with another for 6 weeks. Stall rest with occasional hand walking can occur when the cast is finally removed. The owner wants to breed the mare ASAP - as soon as she locates an appropriate stud. I'm concerned about the demands of pregnancy on top of the work to heal the bone. The mare is in top physical condition now but after 4 months of stall rest, will she be in good shape to take the foal to term? Will calcium supplements be enough to support both the pregnancy and the healing process? I'm concerned..this is a wonderful mare! (I'm afraid her is being too hasty and is still mourning the lost use of her horse.)
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Posted on Monday, Apr 1, 2002 - 6:59 am:
Hello Val,
It is not just the increase weight that is of concern but the increase needs of calcium during pregnancy and lactation. This usually results in some amount of bone mobilization and will certainly impede any healing and remodeling that needs to occur. Then again the mare will have had 7 months to recover before the fetus really begins to grow.
This is a question for the veterinarian who can examine the radiographs and has a idea whether this is healing well rapidly or if he is expecting complications. But no matter what he thinks I agree with you, this is risky behavior, even the best cases can go sour.
DrO
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