X rays next weekend

[Gem's Mom]

I'm soliciting for good vibes for my horse.

He went lame almost 2 months ago (I think, the days kinda blur) but after a combination of stall rest, run rest, pasture rest, bute and dmso he was sound in about 5 weeks. I waited another week or so then started riding him again and I guess we got back into things too fast. He went practically 3 legged lame after one ride (3rd ride 3 weeks after he was "sound" or so I thought...). He's such a trooper though he didn't act painful or anything until after we warmed up (walk/trot) and started cantering.

So now the vet wants to get to the bottom of this once and for all. He was out this week and did flexing/hoof testing and nerve blocking. He's pin pointed where we're going to do the xrays. It's the very low end of his heel and he only shows discomfort when he rotates outward. We're taking Gem to him for the xrays so that they can be developed immediately and he can shoot as many as he needs to see whats going on.

The vet did say worst case scenario it'll be something requiring corrective shoeing and light riding for the rest of his life. Yikes, he's only 7. But I can live with just trail riding... I think.

Cross your fingers for him!!

[KCandAllegro'sMom]

Sending good juju your way! I hope all goes well and it isn't anything serious.

[Gypsy Rose]

Seding good vibes! I hope everything turns out okay!

[Toodlestoo]

Oh, good thoughts and prayers your way that it turns out not to be too serious!

[lisakaye]

I hope he is ok.. and it isn't anything serious. Good vibes comming your way.

[~*Domino*~]

Sending good vibes and prayers your way!

[TLC97]

Sending good vibes your way. And there is nothing wrong with a good lovable trail horse.

[42many]

I sure hope this goes well for you.

I know exactly how you feel! Last year, my then 4yo gelding (who I've had since birth!) ended up lame and was diagnosed at some cost with "possible navicular". They said they weren't positive about the diagnosis, since the xrays showed no signs, but that I should do corrective shoeing and could end up with those for the rest of his life and possibly other long-term problems!! :eek:

I had my farrier out to put the shoes on, and WHILE he was shaping a shoe to put on he tells me, casually, that "this horse doesn't have navicular". I'm like - what?!?! He proceeds to tell me that he strongly believes my horse has deep sulcus thrush and needed a thrush mixture (.. can't remember what exactly he recommended right now, but antibiotic ointment, diaper rash cream, and something else I think??) put deep down into his heel cracks with a syringe. He also advises me that if I start putting these corrective shoes on he'll have REAL problems in a couple of years.

So, I ended up postponing shoes and experimenting with thrush treatment instead (with the ok and best wishes of my vet). I was extremely fortunate in my case - it turned out that he must have had something like the farrier said, since within a few weeks he was totally better. Yay!! I was (and am!) ecstatic! It turns out that the problem was something apparently often overlooked by vets but fairly commonly seen by my farrier in our deserty area (since the sand/weather dries out the hooves a lot).

Anyhow, I went through the same thing - I was very concerned for many weeks of various treatments that we were talking about a life-time problem for my sweet, happy boy and he was only 4! I would have done what needed doing in any case, but I am so happy to report that it ended up being basically nothing. I definitely hope yours turns out as well!!

[Gem's Mom]

Update: My vet's dad just died so he'll be out of town. Rescheduling the x rays for the next weekend. Ugh, more waiting.

And until I know what's wrong with him I'm trying to keep Gem from straining it again. So that means no big pastures or muddy paddocks. And right now the horses are off pastures and my paddock is a mud hole so he's stuck in a stall. AND because he'll stress out if he's alone we have to stall poor Gully too. So 2 wound up anoyed ponies and stalls for me to clean! UGH!!

On the bright side I heard that one of the equine vet practices around here is getting a lameness machine (treadmill and lots of wires?) and to learn how to use it they need to practice. A friend is going to check and see if they still need horses. I know we have an idea of what's wrong or at least where's wrong but it would be awesome to have a full assessment too.

[lovesfortune]

sending good thoughts and prayers you way.
Sorry to hear about your vet's dad, but hopefully you will get the answers you need soon.

[Remali]

That's too bad about your vet's father passing away. I hope all goes well with Gem, lameness is scary and frustrating....I think the x-rays are very good idea. I had a horse that foundered once and the x-rays were so helpful. Hope it is nothing serious with your Gem.

[vicklynn]

Prayers for your vet, he sure needs them right now.
I hope that your exrays show nothing major, and he just needs some time off.

[JackieB]

Good thoughts coming your way. Keep us posted.

[Equine_Woman]

You guys will be in my prayers!!! There is nothing more frustrating and worrisome than lameness in your partner. Be sure to keep us posted!