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CJRocco
14 Jun 2010 20:52
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Does anyone have any experience of their horse having torn the lateral meniscus (cartilage) in its stifle. Mine is on two to three months box rest with a 50/50 chance of recovery to low level competing providing there is no evidence of DJD or arthritus. He is only just 5. I had only owned him for five days when he did this and am devastated.
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Horse Hero Guru
14 Jun 2010 22:01
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I am sorry to hear about your horse’s injury. I have no personal experience of a torn lateral meniscus, but have had horse’s with other stifle injuries, including one that was also said to be unlikely to ever be able to compete at high level again (he did and, five years later is still at the top of his field).
The key thing is to ensure that he really does have his long period of box rest – not even little walks out. Make sure that you continue to get regular imaging to check how healing is progressing. When he is allowed to start walking in hand, take it easy and slow. It is far better to take an extra month or two over the recuperation and thus allow full healing to take place.
Your horse is young and I am sure that with careful management and giving him time to heal you will be able to improve his prognosis.
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peaches
15 Jun 2010 19:44
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Hi, real sorry to hear of your situation with your horse. Don't dwell on it too much as that will not change the situation. You have to start thinking and doing positive things like feeding supplements that are supposed to support, feed and nourish the soft tissues and cartledge. Cortaflex is the most fed supplement with very good results, specifically meant for exactly what your horse has. Human athletes that have the same injury go on to compete at high level again, so can't see why there isn't a bright future ahead for your chap. Just be careful when starting to exercise him again, especially when first walking him out, I personally would give a little of something like ACP to make sure he doesn't go bucking or leaping about too much. Use a controller collar or bridle when leading with surcingle and side reins just for added insurance the last thing you want is for him to damage it again or do some other soft tissue damage; as after such a long period in the box his soft tissues will be weakened and will take time to rebuild their strength.
other non invasive therapies you could try is acupunture or reiki. But do ask your vet first. Also, gently massages will help to flush out any toxins from his system that can build up after an injury.
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FionaA
16 Jun 2010 10:41
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"Does anyone have any experience of their horse having torn the lateral meniscus (cartilage) in its stifle. Mine is on two to three months box rest with a 50/50 chance of recovery to low level competing providing there is no evidence of DJD or arthritus. He is only just 5. I had only owned him for five days when he did this and am devastated."
I can only imagine how devaststed you must be. Please speak to your veterinarian about arthroscopic surgery and stem cell therapy. Best wishes for a full recovery.
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CJRocco
16 Jun 2010 20:33
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"I am sorry to hear about your horse’s injury. I have no personal experience of a torn lateral meniscus, but have had horse’s with other stifle injuries, including one that was also said to be unlikely to ever be able to compete at high level again (he did and, five years later is still at the top of his field).
The key thing is to ensure that he really does have his long period of box rest – not even little walks out. Make sure that you continue to get regular imaging to check how healing is progressing. When he is allowed to start walking in hand, take it easy and slow. It is far better to take an extra month or two over the recuperation and thus allow full healing to take place.
Your horse is young and I am sure that with careful management and giving him time to heal you will be able to improve his prognosis.
"
Thank you for your comments - I thoroughly agree when you say that the time after he recovers is so important - I plan to take my time with him and go very slowly in order to allow his whole body to get back into fitness, I know this will pay huge dividends in the long run.
I hope to get him scanned again when he has had 2 months box rest and we can re-assess the situation.
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
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CJRocco
16 Jun 2010 20:41
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"Hi, real sorry to hear of your situation with your horse. Don't dwell on it too much as that will not change the situation. You have to start thinking and doing positive things like feeding supplements that are supposed to support, feed and nourish the soft tissues and cartledge. Cortaflex is the most fed supplement with very good results, specifically meant for exactly what your horse has. Human athletes that have the same injury go on to compete at high level again, so can't see why there isn't a bright future ahead for your chap. Just be careful when starting to exercise him again, especially when first walking him out, I personally would give a little of something like ACP to make sure he doesn't go bucking or leaping about too much. Use a controller collar or bridle when leading with surcingle and side reins just for added insurance the last thing you want is for him to damage it again or do some other soft tissue damage; as after such a long period in the box his soft tissues will be weakened and will take time to rebuild their strength.
other non invasive therapies you could try is acupunture or reiki. But do ask your vet first. Also, gently massages will help to flush out any toxins from his system that can build up after an injury. "
Thank you for your comments. I competely agree with the importance of bringing him slowly back into work and will certainly take my time with him - the longer I take the better the building blocks for his future. I am giving him Synequin which contains glucosamine and chondritin. I have someone who has been to see him who does a little healing/sports therapy and chinese medicine and he definitely seems more confortable and relaxed. He is coming to see him again this weekend. I am giving him willow bark to chew on and spend time grooming and massaging him each day.
As you quite rightly say, it is pointless being negative and so important to be positive. Every day is one day less of box rest!!
Thank you for taking the time to reply and for your point of view.
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CJRocco
16 Jun 2010 20:44
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""Does anyone have any experience of their horse having torn the lateral meniscus (cartilage) in its stifle. Mine is on two to three months box rest with a 50/50 chance of recovery to low level competing providing there is no evidence of DJD or arthritus. He is only just 5. I had only owned him for five days when he did this and am devastated."
I can only imagine how devaststed you must be. Please speak to your veterinarian about arthroscopic surgery and stem cell therapy. Best wishes for a full recovery."
Thank you for commenting. I am giving him these two months box rest then will have him scanned again and if he hasn't healed will definitely consider surgery. Remaining positive!
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peaches
18 Jun 2010 13:05
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I can definitely pick up that you are more positive now. Keep ya chin up girl!
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