We are new to the foaling process and our mare just had her third foal, our first. He has angular limb valgus. Our vet checked him within 24 hours and was concerned. We are just to watch him for 5-7 days to see if he corrects some of this on his own, exercise has been eliminated, other than what he gets in the stall. After a week it seems that splints may be the option. Please, if anyone has had experience with this issue, i would really like to hear from you. My friend's horse was put down due to a similar issue. He is handsome and very sweet, i just need to talk to other people who have experienced this issue too. Thanks
Rooty (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest
Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 01:20 pm:
Our most recent foal was born with a varus angulus (inward deviation)of the fetlock, which according to my vet is less likely to correct itself than the valgus. She is not 100% better, but has improved considerably in 5 weeks. For the first week she was only allowed out for 2 hours a day. Then the farrier trimmed her and that helped significantly. Turnout was increased to 4-5 hours a day as the vet was pleased with her progress. Farrier came back 2 weeks later at the same time as the vet. They believe that she will come around with the corrective trimming and she is now out 12 hours a day. I notice that when we are getting close to the 2 weeks trim time that it worsens, but then the trim improves it. When she stands on the leg it looks fine, but one can still see the deviation when she moves. I'll likely have the vet out again next week, just to make sure we don't need to do a cast as the growth plates in the fetlock joint close by around 8 weeks. Why did your friend's horse have to be put down?
Thanks Rooty, she didn't feel that he would have the life he deserved. He was broken over on both legs and needed help of a wall to even get up. Surgery was $3000 with only a fifty fifty chance of recovery. He was a very sad little fellow. I appreciate your input, and am keeping my fingers crossed that he will improve. Again, thankyou.
Rooty (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest
Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 01:45 pm:
I am having the vet back out next week to check our filly, she looks good when she stands on it with her full weight, but I can still see the deviation when she is moving. The last trim didn't help as much as the first two. He'll decide when he sees her if she needs x-rays, and from there decide on the course of treatment, whether it be casts or surgery depending on exactly where the deviation is coming from. Fingers crossed that surgery isn't necessary! Sorry about your friend's foal, mine has always been able to stand on her own (she also had 2 contracted tendons in front, so we were lucky she could). Hope all will be fine with your baby!
Rooty (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest
Posted on Thursday, June 09, 2005 - 01:14 pm:
Update on Leah. The vet came out and did x-rays (she was a star). He sees deviation in 2 spots, but does believe that trimming will resolve the varus. He has sent the x-rays to Guelph for confirmation. How's your baby doing?
He is showing some improvement. The vet came out at a week and felt he had improved and wanted me to call with an update after another five days. I just called this am, he has improved a little more, i think, maybe i am being optimistic. The vet wants to give him a few more days then he will be out to check for himself. the little guy is beautiful and a trooper! He doesn't have any idea he has a problem. He is to be on stall rest but that doesn't slow him down too much! He wants outside soooooo bad. Please keep me updated on the progress of your filly, hopefully, we will both have good things to update!
Please note that opinions, product information, advice or suggestions posted on this bulletin board are not necessarily those of the management at Equine-Reproduction.com nor does the maintenance of the post position indicate an implicit or any endorsement of that information, opinion or product.
Further, although we have the greatest respect for the posters offering assistance here, you are advised to seek a consultation with your veterinarian prior to using information obtained from this board if it is of a veterinary nature.Proud to be sponsored and supported by:
