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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1032
 
Location: IL | Has anyone ever dealt with a torn hamstring in a horse?? What was your vets prognosis? What treatment did you do? Looking for any and all information on this |
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 Balance Beam and more...
Posts: 11493
 
Location: 31 lengths farms | Never dealt with one but I'd think that AcuScope and or BioScan would be helpful...any other suggestions everyone???? |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | Did they confirm it via ultrasound? Ugh so sorry this happened. |
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Expert
Posts: 3514
| A laser would help and if you have someone with a Theraplate.
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 The BHW Book Worm
Posts: 1768
| my mare just came back into work after a 2nd degree strain (right before you tear the muscle) it was 2 weeks of cold hosing 2x a day + bute an addition 6 weeks of turn out, massage, Voltaren and lots of walking. she seems 100% now but for the first 2 weeks she was pretty lame. I was very carful because we had a horse a few years before tear his hamstrings that resulted in fibrotic myopathy that left him a trail horse. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1032
Location: IL | Thanks everybody! I actually dropped her off for bladder stone removal right before leaving to New York for a wedding. They moved her too soon after the epidural and she fell on concrete. I go to pick her up tomorrow (she's been there since Thursday) so I will be seeing the damage done for the first time. He did say that the tear is visible while looking at the area and that she will need 60-90 days stall rest. I'm going to ask tomorrow as to if an ultrasound has been done and why not if it hasn't. Said he believes she will heal sound but that the leg will remain disfigured. I'm just sick over this. It was supposed to be an easy, routine thing. They should not have moved her until they were sure she had feeling in her legs again (she was given an epidural for the procedure).
He didn't recommend any therapy (yeah I'm sure because by rights it should be on his dollar for this happening) but I want to do something for her besides her stand in a stall.
Im going to take pictures and video of her when I get there before loading her. I've had a couple people I know recommend I hire an equine attorney. But taking things one step at a time and my main goal right now is getting her home. :( |
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Balance Beam and more...
Posts: 11493
Location: 31 lengths farms | Praying for better answers when you get home!!!  |
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 Go For It!
Location: Texas |
This is a very difficult injury to heal... In barrel racing it is imperative that our horses be able to use that booty to run, turn, and push off at the barrels. A major piece of that equation is that hamstring muscle. What I have found is that if it is not completely healed (and often times even if it is) they will continue to re-injure it during a run. I wish that I could give you better news, but I would definitely discuss having your vet cover the expenses for the rehab. That is what they have insurance for, and if what you say is true, this clearly could have been prevented.
Good luck to you and keep us updated.
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Too busy outside!
Posts: 5417
| Thistle2011 - 2015-10-05 11:47 AM my mare just came back into work after a 2nd degree strain (right before you tear the muscle) it was 2 weeks of cold hosing 2x a day + bute an addition 6 weeks of turn out, massage, Voltaren and lots of walking. she seems 100% now but for the first 2 weeks she was pretty lame. I was very carful because we had a horse a few years before tear his hamstrings that resulted in fibrotic myopathy that left him a trail horse. This! Plus microcurrent if you can- I've seen lots of horses with residual hard lumps in their hamstrings- not specifically a fibrotic myopathy, but just a hard spot. Once healed they are not bothered with them again! I think early treatment is key- Good Luck! :)
eta: I just read your updated post- what a bummer! I bet you will have a hard time getting money from your vet to cover expenses for rehab. If stall rest is required, massage and microcurrent will be your horses best friend...
Edited by trickster j 2015-10-05 7:22 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1032
Location: IL | grinandbareit - 2015-10-05 5:51 PM This is a very difficult injury to heal... In barrel racing it is imperative that our horses be able to use that booty to run, turn, and push off at the barrels. A major piece of that equation is that hamstring muscle. What I have found is that if it is not completely healed (and often times even if it is) they will continue to re-injure it during a run. I wish that I could give you better news, but I would definitely discuss having your vet cover the expenses for the rehab. That is what they have insurance for, and if what you say is true, this clearly could have been prevented. Good luck to you and keep us updated.
Thank you for your honesty! No hard feelings. I'm aware that she may just end up sound but be done racing. I'm going to make sure to document everything when I get there tomorrow and then go from there. I'll be sure to keep you updated. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1032
Location: IL | trickster j - 2015-10-05 7:19 PM
Thistle2011 - 2015-10-05 11:47 AM my mare just came back into work after a 2nd degree strain (right before you tear the muscle) it was 2 weeks of cold hosing 2x a day + bute an addition 6 weeks of turn out, massage, Voltaren and lots of walking. she seems 100% now but for the first 2 weeks she was pretty lame. I was very carful because we had a horse a few years before tear his hamstrings that resulted in fibrotic myopathy that left him a trail horse. This! Plus microcurrent if you can- I've seen lots of horses with residual hard lumps in their hamstrings- not specifically a fibrotic myopathy, but just a hard spot. Once healed they are not bothered with them again! I think early treatment is key- Good Luck! :)
eta: I just read your updated post- what a bummer! I bet you will have a hard time getting money from your vet to cover expenses for rehab. If stall rest is required, massage and microcurrent will be your horses best friend...
Thank you for your post! I'll see if micro current is an option where we are located. I know I can do the massage route pretty easily |
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | So sorry to hear this. I'd get a second independent vet involved (so that the almighty dollar AND his possible self-protection doesn't come into play with this original vet's suggestions as to what to do) and keep that equine attorney in mind also. How did the bladder surgery go? Many prayers for your girl. . . . |
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  Angel in a Sorrel Coat
Posts: 16030
Location: In a happy place | I won't be much help to you because I live in Texas. My stud horse tore his and I took him to Jimmy and Candace Hoke. Jimmy worked on him and then they gave me various things to rub on it. I also had to sort of pull on it everyday. Which was not fun becuase it hurt and he wanted to fight me. I also use the little rubber curry comb to work on the outside of his leg. It was hard work and time consuming. Oh and you could sure see where it was torn. Stall rest and hand walking and I don't remember how long it took but he healed fine and was back to running barrels. Hope you have good luck with yours. |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| I would be asking for an ultrasound and stem cells to be injected into the affected area.
I would also be consulting with my vet or a different vet about if the horse should be moved as trailering his hard on a horse. I have had horses stay at the vet for months as the hauling would affect their healing (talking broken bones and torn tendons) so far everything has come back sound and blemish free.
Also I would be considering financial compensation, as even if she becomes sound, the value has decreased due to the physical abnormality. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1034
| cheryl makofka - 2015-10-06 12:36 AM
I would be asking for an ultrasound and stem cells to be injected into the affected area.
I would also be consulting with my vet or a different vet about if the horse should be moved as trailering his hard on a horse. I have had horses stay at the vet for months as the hauling would affect their healing (talking broken bones and torn tendons) so far everything has come back sound and blemish free.
Also I would be considering financial compensation, as even if she becomes sound, the value has decreased due to the physical abnormality.
This. I have one with visibly torn hamstrings on both sides. She's ridable but she's bottom of the 4D because her stride in the back is so much shorter and it slows her down. She could also be shown as a Reiner (she will still slide but it's rough lol) or cutter still but her gait is so noticeable I can't imagine she'd mark high.
She does clean up at sortings though and is great for the kids. |
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Too busy outside!
Posts: 5417
| cheryl makofka - 2015-10-05 10:36 PM I would be asking for an ultrasound and stem cells to be injected into the affected area. I would also be consulting with my vet or a different vet about if the horse should be moved as trailering his hard on a horse. I have had horses stay at the vet for months as the hauling would affect their healing (talking broken bones and torn tendons) so far everything has come back sound and blemish free. Also I would be considering financial compensation, as even if she becomes sound, the value has decreased due to the physical abnormality.
I think stem cell therapy is overkill- I've seen plenty heal without any intervention..... |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| trickster j - 2015-10-06 8:37 AM
cheryl makofka - 2015-10-05 10:36 PM I would be asking for an ultrasound and stem cells to be injected into the affected area. I would also be consulting with my vet or a different vet about if the horse should be moved as trailering his hard on a horse. I have had horses stay at the vet for months as the hauling would affect their healing (talking broken bones and torn tendons) so far everything has come back sound and blemish free. Also I would be considering financial compensation, as even if she becomes sound, the value has decreased due to the physical abnormality.
I think stem cell therapy is overkill- I've seen plenty heal without any intervention.....
There is no guarantee with stem cells
But it does reduce the amount of scar tissue
And speeds up the healing |
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Too busy outside!
Posts: 5417
| cheryl makofka - 2015-10-06 7:43 AM trickster j - 2015-10-06 8:37 AM cheryl makofka - 2015-10-05 10:36 PM I would be asking for an ultrasound and stem cells to be injected into the affected area. I would also be consulting with my vet or a different vet about if the horse should be moved as trailering his hard on a horse. I have had horses stay at the vet for months as the hauling would affect their healing (talking broken bones and torn tendons) so far everything has come back sound and blemish free. Also I would be considering financial compensation, as even if she becomes sound, the value has decreased due to the physical abnormality. I think stem cell therapy is overkill- I've seen plenty heal without any intervention..... There is no guarantee with stem cells But it does reduce the amount of scar tissue And speeds up the healing
So does microcurrent! :) |
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 Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | Absolutely hands down acupuncture! What a crappy situation-do not be afraid to ask the vet what his responsibility is going to be in this either-I bet they feel like crap and are hoping you don't say anything....hope she heals up quickly. |
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 pressure dripper
Posts: 8696
Location: the end of the rainbow | A friends gelding had a torn hamstring (confirmed via ultrasound). I don't know how bad the tear was but he had 4 months off & is being legged back up now. So far he is sound and doing great with no alternative therapies.Good luck. I hope they are at least willing to kick in for expenses and therapy. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1032
Location: IL | Thank you everyone for the suggestions. Yep, this is the mare that was having the stone removed. They did successfully remove the stone. I got her home today. My vet said it is not a complete tear just a partial tear. I could tell as I spoke to him that he was upset that this had happened. He is optimistic that with stall rest the muscle will heal. She is very bright eyed and happy to be home. The leg is very swollen, mostly on the inside of the leg. And there is swelling down to her fetlock as well. She is walking on it. I am going to look into everything suggested and see what I can afford and what I think may work best for us. He didn't charge me for any of the pain meds or diuretics they gave her or for the 4 days she was kept in a stall there. I do believe he is very much aware that this was a mistake hence why no charge for that and I'm sure he's hoping that I don't sue or anything like that. He said he will be calling me in a couple weeks to check on her and see how she is progressing.
Sorry I didn't respond to each post. It's been a long stressful day and I am beat. I do everything on my phone too so just too tired to type a response out for each one. Just glad to have her home and under my care now.
ETA: going to try to post some pics
Edited by TACKyPaints 2015-10-06 7:16 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1032
Location: IL | Went into the barn and took pics of her injury. Her body condition. And any cut or scrape on her that was not present when I dropped her off.
As you can see the main swelling is on the inside of the left rear leg. And there is residual swelling down the leg.
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | I'm glad you have your girl home, and many good thoughts for a fast and complete recovery. |
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Too busy outside!
Posts: 5417
| Sounds like your vet is a good one! The swelling doesn't look as bad as others I have seen- I bet if you follow your vets protocol you will have no further issues after it heals. Keep us updated! :) |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1032
Location: IL | Chandler's Mom - 2015-10-06 8:00 PM I'm glad you have your girl home, and many good thoughts for a fast and complete recovery.
Thank you so much! <3 |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1032
Location: IL | trickster j - 2015-10-06 9:02 PM Sounds like your vet is a good one! The swelling doesn't look as bad as others I have seen- I bet if you follow your vets protocol you will have no further issues after it heals. Keep us updated! :)
He is a good vet. And he's the vet that got her sound and running barrels again after the Univeristy of IL told me to put her down, that I'd never even be able to keep her sound as a pasture pet. They told me her suspensory problems were due to her poor conformation. When I took her to this vet he looked at her and said her legs were the symptom and the feet were the problem. He worked along with a corrective farrier and got her sound again. I know there is a chance that she won't heal and run again but I do trust his judgement. He's been doing this a long time and is very well respected. And he is a very kind and compassionate man. He has not become calloused to things during his years of practice and has even teared up while telling me about having to give a lady bad news about her horse. I could tell he felt bad that this had happened. He does provide great care and his prices can't be beat. He charged me $40 to ultrasound her for the stone. Other places I contacted wanted $300-$400. So needless to say I am very hesitant about taking legal action.
Well that's good to know that her swelling isn't as bad as you've seen before! He told me I could hand walk her some after 30 days stall rest. So with cold weather coming I forsee many a long, cold walk in my future. Lol. And I will definitely keep you updated! |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 383
| spectra equine lasers are wonderful- I had a torn ligament in hock level 3 tear and a few smaller tears and a si ligament tear and a tore hip muscle I bought the lasers and I did do stem cell therapy on the hock but couldn't do anything for the other stuff but I started using my lasers right away - I had to give 8 months off because of hock tear - I will say that if I had it to do all over again I would not have locked him up the first 30 days as I did cause it was the hardest part on my horse - but anyhow everything has healed up beautifully- and I do believe using those lasers really helped- and the rest was through prayer and Gods faithfulness- anyhow the spectra lasers are awesome because you can put them on and you can do other things while they are being treated- well worth every penny-if you look into them please tell john angie Thompson referred you |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 669
Location: Central Texas | Stem cell or PRP |
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