[RC] Suspensory injury...a more thorough evaluation - Cynthia Eyler
Spent two and a half hours yesterday with another
vet, hoping to find out the seriousness of my 15 year old QH's RF
suspensory injury. Talk about opening a can of worms!
From palpation, the vet didn't think the suspensory
was much of an issue. Circled Jack from the
ground and rode him in small-ish circles. Two nerve blocks on
the leg opposite the suspensory in question. Vet (and another vet
from the practice) thought they saw multiple issues. Flexion tests on
the hind legs. Ultrasound of the questionable suspensory. X-rays of
the front foot opposite the suspensory in question. X-rays of the
hock diagonal to the suspensory in question.
Other than the shots for the nerve blocks, Jack
took it all like a trooper.
Results? The suspensory injury barely shows
up on ultrasound. As the original vet declared after only palpation, it's
not a big deal. Vet was surprised at how clean the hock x-rays
were. BUT, there are
definite navicular changes in his front feet.
Jack will be on vacation until spring, after which
we'll work up to regular, vigorous trail riding. But no more 50
milers. And no more work in sand. And I'm on the lookout for a
really good instructor that has school horses I can ride this
winter.
Jack is the only horse I have ever owned
(started riding in the second half of my 40's), and I don't know if I'll get
another. In any case, there's no room right now for another horse at
the friend's farm where I keep him. In the meantime, I'll be at some
endurance rides, volunteering or crewing.
Endurance was something I wanted to do, just for
the challenge of it. I'd still like to do it, but...
