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Topic: blown suspensories (Read 2902 times)
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Susan Brady
Novice
 Offline
Posts: 5
I love Trakehners!
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My 17-year-old gray (Thor) has severely damaged suspensory ligaments in both hind legs. We have tried many treatments, but the general consensus is that the situation will just get worse. The main problem now is that the farrier is having more and more difficulty trimming his feet (I'm having a tough time cleaning them, too). Thor can't stand comfortably for any length of time. Does anyone have a suggestion on how we can support him to make it easier to take care of his feet?
(A little explanation: I adopted Thor three years ago from a rescue group. It is unclear how he was injured, but we think he was either overworked on the show circuit, or somehow injured. It's been hard to track down that specific information.)
Any input will be welcomed. Thor has a lot of heart and means the world to me.
Thanks.
Susan Brady
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fuzzy
Guest
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I'm not sure a wash rack is the best option. They often don't have a level floor or a solid wall to lean the horse into - plus they may have storage systems that make them unsafe for horses who may wiggle or fall as damaged horses are inclined to do on occasion.  I trim a number of old, stiff, and damaged horses for clients and generally advise bute (or apsirin) the night before and the morning of the appointment to help with the pain of flexing legs, and of course the extra weight on the leg opposite the shoer. If you have access to shoeing stocks, they are a viable option. Many horses rapidly learn to lean their weight into the tummy chains and the hoof blocks (much better than the farrier's back!  ). Also, a small dose of Banamine just before the trim, or perhaps a small dose of Rompun. You might experiment with some of these ideas to see what will work best for you. Good luck! 
Keep us posted on how it goes!
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Susan Brady
Novice
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Posts: 5
I love Trakehners!
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Thanks so much for the suggestions.
I am not sure what a shoeing block is, but will ask the farrier tomorrow.
And I will definitely suggest to the stable manager that we give him some banamine (he can't handle bute).
Susan B.
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Joy
ata
Old Hand
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Posts: 1,270
I love Trakehners!
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Something else you might try is Buteless (or No-Bute) which you can get from Jeffers Equine. I think it's called BL Solution now. My vet introduced me to it, and I now have it on hand all the time. It's a natural pain killer, much safer than Bute.
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Susan Brady
Novice
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Posts: 5
I love Trakehners!
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I will track down the "bute-less." Thanks! 
Just learning as I go ... and I am so appreciative of the prompt responses.
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fuzzy
Guest
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A shoeing stock is much like the stocks many people use to treat cows. You herd them in and they're STUCK for shots and other things until you release them. (Lots of vets use basic stocks to confine horses for palpations/ultrasounds, and other work) But you load a horse into a shoeing stock just like a trailer. It has a wood floor, and tall corner posts that have large wood blocks on them. You strap the horse's foot to the block for trimming and shoeing. It's the ONLY way (in my book) to do draft horses. Even if they behave, those legs and feet are too heavy to hold in my lap. Also, there are chains (generally covered with bike inner tubes) that go over the horses backs and under the tummy to keep them from going either up or down. I know it doen'st really sound humane, but for some horses it's the only humane way. If you have a local draft horse person, or Amish farmer, ask if you can see their stocks in use. I think you'll be impressed!
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Susan Brady
Novice
Offline
Posts: 5
I love Trakehners!
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The farrier AND the vet both informed me today that shoeing stocks probably wouldn't work for Thor. So we're going to try the "bute route" (vet doesn't think a small dose would harm his stomach) and double team him whenever the farrier works on him or I simply clean his feet.
I really appreciate the information, since I'm always casting around trying to find out how to help him and I really am a novice, as my messages so indelicately have identified me!
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fuzzy
Guest
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Hey, don't worry about it. Some of us have been involved with horses for 18 years and more - and trust me, the learning never ends!
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Susan Brady
Novice
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Posts: 5
I love Trakehners!
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I get worried about thrush, which he is prone to getting. When I clean his feet, I also try to be as quick as possible because it's so uncomfortable for him. He tries so hard not to lose his balance, but it's tough with those bad suspensories.
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fuzzy
Guest
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Ah, thrush, that's an easy one to work with. About once a week, use a dishsoap bottle (I like the smaller sizes for this) to put a quick shot of bleach in the clefts of his feet after you clean them. Not so important in dry conditions (when you can skip the bleach) as in wet , when you may want to go to twice a week.  Hope that helps!
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