Knee Problem...

[Threeturnsfast]

Hello Martha!
My barrel horse is a 9 year old Quarter Horse gelding. Last Fall (end of September) we had a barrel race in very deep going. He blew out his tendon sheath on the outside of his right knee. He has not been sore on it, but I've rested him for several months at the advice of my veterinarian and chiropractor. The swelling is still there, but does not cause him any soreness. I've started him back slowly and even though he is feeling great, he is carrying a bit of heat in the back of the knee after exercise (I use liniment or DMSO daily). We're thinking this is due to pressure from the fluid buildup, therefore he's back on turnout/handwalking and we're having it drained and injected next Wednesday. Have you any experience with such injuries? How much time do you suggest off after the treatment in order to keep him sound? I realize their is a high probability that the fluid will return. Have you had any luck with any alternative type of therapy to prevent this, or lessen the odds of recurrence?
Also he is on a quality joint supplement and we also give him Devils Claw and Yucca daily.
Thanks for your response!
Janine.

[lauraSchumann]

Hi Janine...
I am answering some of the questions here now,  I'm not martha, but maybe i can help.
Its hard from not knowing your horse as you do to evaluate your horse properly from
the standpoint of not seeing him.  I however would go with the advice of your vet,
and perhaps a second opinion of another well respected vet that you can access
to help make your decision.  I have had a horse or two with the injury you have described
and I learned that I made only the runs on these horses that really "counted" to me--
I did not run the horse at every barrel race as I used to but picked the runs on the
horse that mattered and ran him where he did best in the ground he handled best to
ensure that his injuries did not resume to the point of what I considered misuse of
the horse because of his physical limitations as he was coming back.  I am not trying to
discourage you in the least, but just tell you that it is something that you know you will
probably have to deal with from now on---so make your runs count if you must run him.
A second opinion from another vet is not a bad thing to invest in if nothing else but to confirm
what your personal vet has already told you is correct and reflects the same opinion as well.
Then you will have more faith in your diagnosis and the time off recommended by your
vet is the only fair way to start....every horse as every human needs a different amount
of recovery time after injury. Make sure that he is in the best possible physical condition
would be also my best advice (I want to add that instead of riding these horses that I had
that I ponied them or put them on a hot walker alot to keep alot of stress off the problem)
and keep feeding the supplements you are giving and stay with your recommended program
from your vet...sound like to me you are doing everything possible to work with this horse,
so keep up the good work.

Laura Schumann
Laura's Ladder to Success Barrel Clinics
"I BELIEVE" Tour 2009

[Threeturnsfast]

Hello Laura,
Thanks for the response. I took your advice. After much further veterinary review, my horse is now retired, as he just could not take enough work to keep him in optimal condition for what I expected from him. It was the only thing fair to do for him. He now is running loose on 400 acres about 3 hours from our home. We found him a great home to live out the remaineder of his days doing his own 'horse-thing'. He adapted quickly, and is 'boss' of the herd I am told. It was a hard decision, and I still miss him daily but it is what was right for him.
Thanks again for your response!
Janine.