I sympathise with the box rest issue some horses just can't do it. Ari did 6 weeks with a field injury; cuts and fractured bottom bit of splint bone. We both found it very hard as he only does being in at night in winter and he was certainly not his gentle well mannered self to walk out and stressed in his stable when horses came and went as it was summer, I went through lots of Sedolyn for him and wine for me. He had the bone chip removed and I turned him out 2 days after the staples came out before he went nuts or did us both harm as he'd had enough. Brought him in and didn't tell whole truth for vets sign off visit. Fingers crossed there is a clearer prognosis and a manageable way forward, you know your horse and can only do your best for her and nature has a way of doing more than vets expect.
RE box rest, I have field rested horses that won't box rest (both were tendon injuries) and it was successful, so definitely talk to your vet about it. I had to start off with a small turnout area so that they couldn't go galloping but that was easy to set up with some electric fencing.
Sounds similar to the injury to a friends welsh cob aged about 17 now she had some box rest but was turned out had to move froma hilly yard to a much flatter one and after a bout of unexpected lami is now being ridden quietly round the local common, this mare had also lost an eye the previous year at the moment she is doing very well and living out.
Sounds like an option Liz. So many horses don't cope with box rest. I think they are all Individual and you know what she will and won't cope with. Just go with your heart and hopefully she will come good x
Dulcie has had this injury in August 2013 and an annular ligament tear. Eventually the scar tissue would have adhered to her tendons and restricted her mobility so vet said operating was the only option (she's 14). She had the op last November and was on box rest for a couple of months (leading out in hand). She then went on field rest and walked out in hand. I never thought she'd be sound but she was and I started gently riding in March (I cried as I never thought I'd ride her again). She has recovered really well and is doing 2 hour hacks - I am unlikely to do competitive endurance again but am going to give her another year to hack and see how she goes. She is a very, very hyper mare but coped so well on box rest - she seemed to know she was injured and was very quiet... until about a month ago and now she's as lively, bouncy and hysterical as she's always been. I guess I'm thankful to have my girly back and she believes she is back training!!
Caro23 I am so glad Dulcie came right in the end its a horrible having the prospect of never riding your horse again I have made the decision to turn her away this weekend, she is only 5 minutes from my house and I think she will be happier and calmer, there is only one treatment option which is irap but my vet says its a long shot and a bit of an experiment so I will have a think about if its worth having it done.
Awaiting a phone call
Posted - 09 Oct 2014 : 6:21:42 PM
