|
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1165
  
Location: California | After finally kicking off my paint mare's barrel racing career in August it has come to a slamming halt. After getting her adjusted by a chiro because she felt stiff to the left she has been lame almost a month now. Through tons of trial and error and quite a bit of money I finally have answers. Today we made the 2 hour drive to Reata Equine Hospital in Weatherford, Tx. Dr Sutherland is amazing as is the staff there! From now on I will be doing most my horse business at Reata. They are very attentive, thorough, and very reasonably priced.
Serenity's barrel racing career is over. She has abnormal vertebrae and can not handle the stress. She has spots that are pretty jagged and other areas don't have quite enough space in between them so in certain maneuvers the vertebrae end up rubbing which over time has cause some calcification and created some grooves. Front left coffin joint is inflamed from over compensating on it for so long. Vet wanted to inject in between her vertebrae to get the inflammation down in those muscles and the coffin joint but I just can't afford all that right now, so we are doing 5 days of Bute and muscle relaxers and going from there.
She SHOULD be ok to ride after all the inflammation goes down but no guarantees. This mare is my heart and soul, I am completely crushed. I keep reminding myself that it could have been so much worse and at least I still have her. I will just have to switch my focus to her 3yr old son by Howelling Corona. I have been slacking on him not really in any rush but he has now been promoted to being my main mount. |
|
| |
|
 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| I am so sorry.
|
|
| |
|
 Ms. Poutability
Posts: 2362
Location: In my own world | Serenity06 - 2015-09-26 7:44 PM
After finally kicking off my paint mare's barrel racing career in August it has come to a slamming halt. After getting her adjusted by a chiro because she felt stiff to the left she has been lame almost a month now. Through tons of trial and error and quite a bit of money I finally have answers. Today we made the 2 hour drive to Reata Equine Hospital in Weatherford, Tx. Dr Sutherland is amazing as is the staff there! From now on I will be doing most my horse business at Reata. They are very attentive, thorough, and very reasonably priced.
Serenity's barrel racing career is over. She has abnormal vertebrae and can not handle the stress. She has spots that are pretty jagged and other areas don't have quite enough space in between them so in certain maneuvers the vertebrae end up rubbing which over time has cause some calcification and created some grooves. Front left coffin joint is inflamed from over compensating on it for so long. Vet wanted to inject in between her vertebrae to get the inflammation down in those muscles and the coffin joint but I just can't afford all that right now, so we are doing 5 days of Bute and muscle relaxers and going from there.
She SHOULD be ok to ride after all the inflammation goes down but no guarantees. This mare is my heart and soul, I am completely crushed. I keep reminding myself that it could have been so much worse and at least I still have her. I will just have to switch my focus to her 3yr old son by Howelling Corona. I have been slacking on him not really in any rush but he has now been promoted to being my main mount.
So does that mean they diagnosed her with Kissing Spine? I am so sorry. I have a KS horse too and we did injections and she is great. However she wasn't displaying many outward signs of discomfort. So sorry. Best of luck to you |
|
| |
|
Regular
Posts: 79
| sorry ... i hope the treatment will make her rideable for you to enjoy her for many years to come. |
|
| |
|
  Witty Enough
Posts: 2954
Location: CTX | Sorry to hear this, but at least now you know what's going on with her. |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1165
Location: California | Honestly she didn't say it was so I'm not sure. All the examples I've seen of kissing spine x-rays seem a bit more severe then my mare's x-rays. She does have less spacing between some vertebrae but they do not rub all the time... If it still counts as kissing spine I'm not sure. I'll have to double check with the vet...
Thanks guys. I have my own slew of pretty obnoxious back issues which are ironically very similar to my mare's. I honestly know the pain she is in and I simply can not believe she was running barrels fr me and winning checks with these issues going on. I feel horrible all at the same time. I am very thankful to finally have answers and to now be able to help her. I am also glad I insisted that I take her to a better vet instead of listening to all the people who told me to just turn her out. I KNEW something was very wrong, I just couldn't figure out what.
Edited by Serenity06 2015-09-26 8:27 PM
|
|
| |
|
 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | Serenity06 - 2015-09-26 8:24 PM
Honestly she didn't say it was so I'm not sure. All the examples I've seen of kissing spine x-rays seem a bit more severe then my mare's x-rays. She does have less spacing between some vertebrae but they do not rub all the time... If it still counts as kissing spine I'm not sure. I'll have to double check with the vet...
Thanks guys. I have my own slew of pretty obnoxious back issues which are ironically very similar to my mare's. I honestly know the pain she is in and I simply can not believe she was running barrels fr me and winning checks with these issues going on. I feel horrible all at the same time. I am very thankful to finally have answers and to now be able to help her. I am also glad I insisted that I take her to a better vet instead of listening to all the people who told me to just turn her out. I KNEW something was very wrong, I just couldn't figure out what.
You had her best interests at heart and did what was right, so don't beat yourself up. Now you're gonna make sure she's taken care of and comfortable---she couldn't ask for more. Prayers that she will be rideable and will make you more nice babies in the future!! |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1165
Location: California | Chandler's Mom - 2015-09-26 8:14 PM
Serenity06 - 2015-09-26 8:24 PM
Honestly she didn't say it was so I'm not sure. All the examples I've seen of kissing spine x-rays seem a bit more severe then my mare's x-rays. She does have less spacing between some vertebrae but they do not rub all the time... If it still counts as kissing spine I'm not sure. I'll have to double check with the vet...
Thanks guys. I have my own slew of pretty obnoxious back issues which are ironically very similar to my mare's. I honestly know the pain she is in and I simply can not believe she was running barrels fr me and winning checks with these issues going on. I feel horrible all at the same time. I am very thankful to finally have answers and to now be able to help her. I am also glad I insisted that I take her to a better vet instead of listening to all the people who told me to just turn her out. I KNEW something was very wrong, I just couldn't figure out what.
You had her best interests at heart and did what was right, so don't beat yourself up. Now you're gonna make sure she's taken care of and comfortable---she couldn't ask for more. Prayers that she will be rideable and will make you more nice babies in the future!!
Thank you! The vet could tell I felt horrible that I couldn't afford all those injections right now. She was so helpful and compassionate! If after this 5 day treatment she still needs to be injected then I will make the funds be available. Serenity's comfort is my absolute main concern. I did ask about breeding her and the vet doesn't think that would be an issue at all. Not exactly something I'm dead set on doing yet but her 3rd old is awfully darn nice so far... We will see what comes about with all this one day at a time.
Even if all she ends up being is a pasture pet she has a home here till her last day. She may end up an expensive pasture pet but oh well. Lol |
|
| |
|
 Take a Picture
Posts: 12838
| I am sorry. It seems like the more time and effort you spend oƱ them, the more they have wrong with them. |
|
| |
|
 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | I'm so sorry.  |
|
| |
|
My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | Serenity06 - 2015-09-26 9:38 PM
Chandler's Mom - 2015-09-26 8:14 PM
Serenity06 - 2015-09-26 8:24 PM
Honestly she didn't say it was so I'm not sure. All the examples I've seen of kissing spine x-rays seem a bit more severe then my mare's x-rays. She does have less spacing between some vertebrae but they do not rub all the time... If it still counts as kissing spine I'm not sure. I'll have to double check with the vet...
Thanks guys. I have my own slew of pretty obnoxious back issues which are ironically very similar to my mare's. I honestly know the pain she is in and I simply can not believe she was running barrels fr me and winning checks with these issues going on. I feel horrible all at the same time. I am very thankful to finally have answers and to now be able to help her. I am also glad I insisted that I take her to a better vet instead of listening to all the people who told me to just turn her out. I KNEW something was very wrong, I just couldn't figure out what.
You had her best interests at heart and did what was right, so don't beat yourself up. Now you're gonna make sure she's taken care of and comfortable---she couldn't ask for more. Prayers that she will be rideable and will make you more nice babies in the future!!
Thank you! The vet could tell I felt horrible that I couldn't afford all those injections right now. She was so helpful and compassionate! If after this 5 day treatment she still needs to be injected then I will make the funds be available. Serenity's comfort is my absolute main concern. I did ask about breeding her and the vet doesn't think that would be an issue at all. Not exactly something I'm dead set on doing yet but her 3rd old is awfully darn nice so far... We will see what comes about with all this one day at a time.
Even if all she ends up being is a pasture pet she has a home here till her last day. She may end up an expensive pasture pet but oh well. Lol
My son has a 15 year old mare and we found out about 6 or 7 weeks ago that her riding career is over--weak suspensories and hard use prior to our owning her. She was an awesome barrel mare---buckles, saddles, an arena record. . . . He used her for barrels and play days and then I took her as my trail horse. Broke my heart when the vet told me that if I had another horse to ride than he would retire her. But, her comfort and well being are the most important things to me, so it was a no brainer. I wanted a baby from her so bad, but figured that was a no go after he said "conformation" issue. However, two vets, a breeder, and my farrier all said I should go for it, just find a stud that would overcome her weakness (post-legged). She's had one colt and he's 6 or 7 I believe; he is owned by the people we bought her from, and he's won grand champion in halter for the last few years at their state show as well as being a really nice barrel horse. I just have to decide what to do. . . . And then of course I worry about baby weight on her!!!!! Decisions, decisions!!!!
She's our second pasture pet, but like you said, they have a home for life. I owe them that. |
|
| |
|
Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | Hate to hear that for you! I just went thru the exact same ordeal in July. Absolutely heartbreaking, but just know that you are doing right by her and will be keeping her happy and comfortable and for that you deserve a pat on the back. |
|
| |
|
 Expert
Posts: 1440
Location: Texas | I am sorry to hear this but if her back is the main issue ..... Surgery can fix it. There are two types of surgery on is the one that Honnas does and is approx 4k. And the other is a ligament release type of surgery and is approx 2000 to 2500. If this horse is worth it I would save up for it. Also many horses can be managed by back injections vs surgery. So what I'm saying is that this does NOT have to be career ending
|
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1165
Location: California | Thanks everyone. Whenever they email me her xrays I'll share them. I'm not entertained with life's irony of my and her having similar back issue. Her comfort and we'll being will always be my main goal.
The vet did mention the surgery. By the look on her face when she talked about it I imagine back surgery on horses comes with the same risks as with people. I was told if I opted for surgery that the arthritis I could end up with in the area could be a worse pain. While no guarantees it would end up that way, it's a risk. It may be something I consider in the future for her, if not then she has earned her semi retirement or retirement, however it plays out. She may not have truly done much performance wise but she has been my rock for the last 7yrs. She came into my life when I really needed her and has taught me more then any othere human or horse could have ever hoped to teach me. If her son can have half the heart and grit his mom has, he'll be a darn nice horse. |
|
| |
|
 Total Germophobe
Posts: 6437
Location: Montana | So sorry to hear that. Sometimes it is better to just retire them than to watch them suffer. She can probably produce some more really nice babies for you. |
|
| |
|
My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | Serenity06 - 2015-09-27 6:52 AM
Thanks everyone. Whenever they email me her xrays I'll share them. I'm not entertained with life's irony of my and her having similar back issue. Her comfort and we'll being will always be my main goal.
The vet did mention the surgery. By the look on her face when she talked about it I imagine back surgery on horses comes with the same risks as with people. I was told if I opted for surgery that the arthritis I could end up with in the area could be a worse pain. While no guarantees it would end up that way, it's a risk. It may be something I consider in the future for her, if not then she has earned her semi retirement or retirement, however it plays out. She may not have truly done much performance wise but she has been my rock for the last 7yrs. She came into my life when I really needed her and has taught me more then any othere human or horse could have ever hoped to teach me. If her son can have half the heart and grit his mom has, he'll be a darn nice horse.
Please keep us updated on her. . . . |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1586
Location: west of East Texas | So sorry to hear this. I'm glad you can keep her regardless of what she can do. I have forever horses too, they come here, they never leave... :) |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1165
Location: California | Thankso guys! I will keep you updated as we progress with it all.
It's hard to be excited for the future now but I'm sure if I can just get motivated with her son that will change. Serenity definitely seems more comfortable already with the Bute and muscle relaxers. I'm trying to stay positive :) |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1165
Location: California | Attaching the xrays may or may not work but I'll try...
Only 3 out of the 7 wereally under the max limit. Grrr!
Edited by Serenity06 2015-09-28 10:07 AM
 (1.2.392.200046.100.2.1.50114939995.150926113145.1.1.2.dcm.jpg)
 (1.2.392.200046.100.2.1.50114939995.150926113145.4.1.2.dcm.jpg)
 (1.2.392.200046.100.2.1.50114939995.150926113145.4.1.2.dcm.jpg)
Attachments
----------------
 1.2.392.200046.100.2.1.50114939995.150926113145.1.1.2.dcm.jpg (84KB - 152 downloads)
1.2.392.200046.100.2.1.50114939995.150926113145.4.1.2.dcm.jpg (76KB - 154 downloads)
1.2.392.200046.100.2.1.50114939995.150926113145.4.1.2.dcm.jpg (76KB - 143 downloads)
|
|
| |
|
Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | Serenity06 - 2015-09-26 9:38 PM Chandler's Mom - 2015-09-26 8:14 PM Serenity06 - 2015-09-26 8:24 PM Honestly she didn't say it was so I'm not sure. All the examples I've seen of kissing spine x-rays seem a bit more severe then my mare's x-rays. She does have less spacing between some vertebrae but they do not rub all the time... If it still counts as kissing spine I'm not sure. I'll have to double check with the vet... Thanks guys. I have my own slew of pretty obnoxious back issues which are ironically very similar to my mare's. I honestly know the pain she is in and I simply can not believe she was running barrels fr me and winning checks with these issues going on. I feel horrible all at the same time. I am very thankful to finally have answers and to now be able to help her. I am also glad I insisted that I take her to a better vet instead of listening to all the people who told me to just turn her out. I KNEW something was very wrong, I just couldn't figure out what. You had her best interests at heart and did what was right, so don't beat yourself up. Now you're gonna make sure she's taken care of and comfortable---she couldn't ask for more. Prayers that she will be rideable and will make you more nice babies in the future!! Thank you! The vet could tell I felt horrible that I couldn't afford all those injections right now. She was so helpful and compassionate! If after this 5 day treatment she still needs to be injected then I will make the funds be available. Serenity's comfort is my absolute main concern. I did ask about breeding her and the vet doesn't think that would be an issue at all. Not exactly something I'm dead set on doing yet but her 3rd old is awfully darn nice so far... We will see what comes about with all this one day at a time. Even if all she ends up being is a pasture pet she has a home here till her last day. She may end up an expensive pasture pet but oh well. Lol
That sounds a bit similar to my gelding. He has a few SDP's that are closer together than they should be and 2 that overlap a little. I discovered it when he was layed up with another issue for a few months, causing his topline to waste away, and one day I was brushing him and he practically folded in half when I touched his back. Nothing helped until we decided to go ahead and x-ray his whole back and inject it. Poor guy had 8 needles in his back but it helped SO MUCH. The pain in the SDP's that were a little close went away completely and it helped the overlapped ones in his loin area enough to where I could start lunging him and getting his back stronger. Once he had grown enough of a topline to carry me I brought him back to riding very slowly. Now he's 99% pain free unless he were to get like a week off or something, then he gets a little sore. I'm prepared for the fact that he may need surgery in the future and I'm fine with that. I do not run barrels on him (low level mounted shooting, western dressage, trail riding) so I hope to keep him sound for another 20 years! So yeah, I feel for you. This stuff can be hard. Hopefully your girl will at least be like mine, and be able to do less jarring activities for a long time!  |
|
| |
Folks on-line