|
|
 Saint Stacey
   
| A few weeks ago I posted on a gelding that stopped running and was extremely sore over his SI. We xrayed his neck and discovered he had two hammer fractures form having his head tied around and then he more than likely flipped, fracturing the wings of the C5 vertebrae.
We injected the problem vertebrae along with the one in front of it and the one behind. Both sides of the neck were done via ultrasound for a total of 6 injections. We took him back to the vet two weeks later for a follow up. The vet was thrilled with how much better he was.
We ran him for the first time yesterday. He went to the fence on first because he was expecting it to hurt. When he pivoted around, it was like a light bulb went on and he realized it didn't hurt. He ran harder across the pen then he ever has and had a beautiful 2nd and 3rd. He did catch 3rd leaving it, but that happens. Bottom line is that the injections really worked. We'll see what he does Wednesday night when we run him again. But at this point I'm very hopeful that we have him fixed. |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 634
| Oh dear, poor guy!
Good thing you got it looked into and the injections are working!
 |
|
| |
|
 Hugs to You
Posts: 7551
Location: In The Land of Cotton | SKM - 2016-07-18 7:26 AM A few weeks ago I posted on a gelding that stopped running and was extremely sore over his SI. We xrayed his neck and discovered he had two hammer fractures form having his head tied around and then he more than likely flipped, fracturing the wings of the C5 vertebrae. We injected the problem vertebrae along with the one in front of it and the one behind. Both sides of the neck were done via ultrasound for a total of 6 injections. We took him back to the vet two weeks later for a follow up. The vet was thrilled with how much better he was. We ran him for the first time yesterday. He went to the fence on first because he was expecting it to hurt. When he pivoted around, it was like a light bulb went on and he realized it didn't hurt. He ran harder across the pen then he ever has and had a beautiful 2nd and 3rd. He did catch 3rd leaving it, but that happens. Bottom line is that the injections really worked. We'll see what he does Wednesday night when we run him again. But at this point I'm very hopeful that we have him fixed.
You wonder how many horses have this problem because of "trainers" doing that, just plain mis-informed people doing it. |
|
| |
|
I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| Thanks for the update, you never know when these things will come up in your own horse life.
I am really happy your update was so positive. |
|
| |
|
Saint Stacey
| The sad/scary part is that most people would have overlooked what he was doing and simply given him a tune session. He was blowing slightly off of first. Like taking just one step off. He'd also get by it a stride before he tried to turn. He also stopped firing and snapping the turn. It wasn't anything bad. It was just a little off for this horse. He was slightly sore over his loin, but again...most people would have ignored it.
The vet said she was surprised he hasn't tried to kill someone with as bad as it was. |
|
| |
|
I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| If you don't mind my asking, what made ya'll think to look at his neck? |
|
| |
|
Saint Stacey
| GLP - 2016-07-18 8:33 AM
If you don't mind my asking, what made ya'll think to look at his neck?
When the vet did a lameness exam, he tested very positive for soreness in the SI to the two flexion tests for SI that she did. She said he was about the 4th sorest SI she'd ever seen. She said if they are really sore in the SI, you ALWAYS need to X-ray the neck as a chronically sore SI could be due to a neck injury.
He did not go off on any neurological tests so she was very optimistic that we caught it in time and could manage it. It's when you have no idea there's anything wrong so arthritis develops that you have neuro issues as the arthritis starts to grind and pinch on the spinal chord. That's when you end up with wobblers.
As eye opening as this has been with what I went through with Sidekick and now Fame, if I ever have a horse get in a wreck or buy from someone, you can bet I will spend the money to get neck X-rays. |
|
| |
|
I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| SKM - 2016-07-18 9:46 AM
GLP - 2016-07-18 8:33 AM
If you don't mind my asking, what made ya'll think to look at his neck?
When the vet did a lameness exam, he tested very positive for soreness in the SI to the two flexion tests for SI that she did. She said he was about the 4th sorest SI she'd ever seen. She said if they are really sore in the SI, you ALWAYS need to X-ray the neck as a chronically sore SI could be due to a neck injury.
He did not go off on any neurological tests so she was very optimistic that we caught it in time and could manage it. It's when you have no idea there's anything wrong so arthritis develops that you have neuro issues as the arthritis starts to grind and pinch on the spinal chord. That's when you end up with wobblers.
As eye opening as this has been with what I went through with Sidekick and now Fame, if I ever have a horse get in a wreck or buy from someone, you can bet I will spend the money to get neck X-rays.
Thank you for explaining the reasoning. I would have never thought to look at the neck with the SI problems you had. I appreciate the shared knowledge. We always assume our vets know everything, but with so much that can go wrong with horses, I am not sure it is really fair. I have seldom found a vet that would not listen to a suggestion if you give them a good reason to look elsewhere. You just supplied me with that should I need it.
|
|
| |
|
  Roan Wonder
Location: SW MO | That's wonderful; !!!!!
|
|
| |
|
Saint Stacey
| GLP - 2016-07-18 9:06 AM
SKM - 2016-07-18 9:46 AM
GLP - 2016-07-18 8:33 AM
If you don't mind my asking, what made ya'll think to look at his neck?
When the vet did a lameness exam, he tested very positive for soreness in the SI to the two flexion tests for SI that she did. She said he was about the 4th sorest SI she'd ever seen. She said if they are really sore in the SI, you ALWAYS need to X-ray the neck as a chronically sore SI could be due to a neck injury.
He did not go off on any neurological tests so she was very optimistic that we caught it in time and could manage it. It's when you have no idea there's anything wrong so arthritis develops that you have neuro issues as the arthritis starts to grind and pinch on the spinal chord. That's when you end up with wobblers.
As eye opening as this has been with what I went through with Sidekick and now Fame, if I ever have a horse get in a wreck or buy from someone, you can bet I will spend the money to get neck X-rays.
Thank you for explaining the reasoning. I would have never thought to look at the neck with the SI problems you had. I appreciate the shared knowledge. We always assume our vets know everything, but with so much that can go wrong with horses, I am not sure it is really fair. I have seldom found a vet that would not listen to a suggestion if you give them a good reason to look elsewhere. You just supplied me with that should I need it.
I think neck injuries are much more common than people realize. A horse runs into a fence, sort of bounces off, gets up and we assume they are fine because they walk off without looking bad. Or a trainer ties one around, they get in a fight, end up flipping and the trainer gets them up. The horse, again, appears to be okay so the trainer goes on. Years down the road you have a horse with neuro signs and you have no idea why. I think many people are blaming EPM now when it isn't EPM at all.
It took about 7 years for Sidekick to show neuro signs from when he had his wreck that I know caused all the problems. Not once did that vet that saw him think to X-ray the neck. When Sidekick started to show neuro signs, that same vet told me the horse was fine and I was imaging it. He too would be sore in his SI.
I'm sharing my experiences because it sucks to go through this. If my sharing saves one person the heartbreak I went through and saves the horse from developing wobblers, then it's worth the suffering Sidekick and I went through.
Believe me, if I knew then what I know now...my story would have had a MUCH different ending. |
|
| |
|
 Poor Cracker Girl
Posts: 12150
Location: Feeding mosquitos, FL | SKM - 2016-07-18 10:46 AM GLP - 2016-07-18 8:33 AM If you don't mind my asking, what made ya'll think to look at his neck? When the vet did a lameness exam, he tested very positive for soreness in the SI to the two flexion tests for SI that she did. She said he was about the 4th sorest SI she'd ever seen. She said if they are really sore in the SI, you ALWAYS need to X-ray the neck as a chronically sore SI could be due to a neck injury. He did not go off on any neurological tests so she was very optimistic that we caught it in time and could manage it. It's when you have no idea there's anything wrong so arthritis develops that you have neuro issues as the arthritis starts to grind and pinch on the spinal chord. That's when you end up with wobblers. As eye opening as this has been with what I went through with Sidekick and now Fame, if I ever have a horse get in a wreck or buy from someone, you can bet I will spend the money to get neck X-rays.
Very very interesting. Glad to hear the injection helped!
How did they flex the SI? I have a colt with a sore loin and the nagging sensation that something is off. |
|
| |
|
Saint Stacey
| TrackinBubba - 2016-07-18 9:33 AM
SKM - 2016-07-18 10:46 AM GLP - 2016-07-18 8:33 AM If you don't mind my asking, what made ya'll think to look at his neck? When the vet did a lameness exam, he tested very positive for soreness in the SI to the two flexion tests for SI that she did. She said he was about the 4th sorest SI she'd ever seen. She said if they are really sore in the SI, you ALWAYS need to X-ray the neck as a chronically sore SI could be due to a neck injury. He did not go off on any neurological tests so she was very optimistic that we caught it in time and could manage it. It's when you have no idea there's anything wrong so arthritis develops that you have neuro issues as the arthritis starts to grind and pinch on the spinal chord. That's when you end up with wobblers. As eye opening as this has been with what I went through with Sidekick and now Fame, if I ever have a horse get in a wreck or buy from someone, you can bet I will spend the money to get neck X-rays.
How did they flex the SI? I have a colt with a sore loin and the nagging sensation that something is off.
She sort of hooked the hock on her knee and pulled it behind him then trotted him off. The other one she sort of picked it up, held it at the gaskin and right before the move off she lifted it higher as the handler went off. Both tests had that SI in extension. He also pretty much refused to go to the right in a small circle. His injury is on the left side to turning his head right really hurt. |
|
| |
|
 Expert
Posts: 2097
Location: Deep South | These are the kinds of posts I come to BHW to read, to expand my knowledge. I would have never known to ask a vet to x-ray their neck from a sore SI. Thanks so much for sharing. |
|
| |
|
Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| Interesting post! Thank you for sharing! |
|
| |
|
Poor Cracker Girl
Posts: 12150
Location: Feeding mosquitos, FL | SKM - 2016-07-18 11:39 AM TrackinBubba - 2016-07-18 9:33 AM SKM - 2016-07-18 10:46 AM GLP - 2016-07-18 8:33 AM If you don't mind my asking, what made ya'll think to look at his neck? When the vet did a lameness exam, he tested very positive for soreness in the SI to the two flexion tests for SI that she did. She said he was about the 4th sorest SI she'd ever seen. She said if they are really sore in the SI, you ALWAYS need to X-ray the neck as a chronically sore SI could be due to a neck injury. He did not go off on any neurological tests so she was very optimistic that we caught it in time and could manage it. It's when you have no idea there's anything wrong so arthritis develops that you have neuro issues as the arthritis starts to grind and pinch on the spinal chord. That's when you end up with wobblers. As eye opening as this has been with what I went through with Sidekick and now Fame, if I ever have a horse get in a wreck or buy from someone, you can bet I will spend the money to get neck X-rays.
How did they flex the SI? I have a colt with a sore loin and the nagging sensation that something is off. She sort of hooked the hock on her knee and pulled it behind him then trotted him off. The other one she sort of picked it up, held it at the gaskin and right before the move off she lifted it higher as the handler went off. Both tests had that SI in extension. He also pretty much refused to go to the right in a small circle. His injury is on the left side to turning his head right really hurt.
Even more interesting. I've never had a vet flex the SI before.
Thanks SKM! |
|
| |
|
 You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | thats good to know about the correlation between SI and neck pain! Haven't learned that yet. Maybe I'll get quizzed on it and look smart when I get on lameness in clinics. haha |
|
| |
|
Saint Stacey
| TrackinBubba - 2016-07-18 9:56 AM
SKM - 2016-07-18 11:39 AM TrackinBubba - 2016-07-18 9:33 AM SKM - 2016-07-18 10:46 AM GLP - 2016-07-18 8:33 AM If you don't mind my asking, what made ya'll think to look at his neck? When the vet did a lameness exam, he tested very positive for soreness in the SI to the two flexion tests for SI that she did. She said he was about the 4th sorest SI she'd ever seen. She said if they are really sore in the SI, you ALWAYS need to X-ray the neck as a chronically sore SI could be due to a neck injury. He did not go off on any neurological tests so she was very optimistic that we caught it in time and could manage it. It's when you have no idea there's anything wrong so arthritis develops that you have neuro issues as the arthritis starts to grind and pinch on the spinal chord. That's when you end up with wobblers. As eye opening as this has been with what I went through with Sidekick and now Fame, if I ever have a horse get in a wreck or buy from someone, you can bet I will spend the money to get neck X-rays.
How did they flex the SI? I have a colt with a sore loin and the nagging sensation that something is off. She sort of hooked the hock on her knee and pulled it behind him then trotted him off. The other one she sort of picked it up, held it at the gaskin and right before the move off she lifted it higher as the handler went off. Both tests had that SI in extension. He also pretty much refused to go to the right in a small circle. His injury is on the left side to turning his head right really hurt.
Thanks SKM!
I hadn't either. She did some reverse flexion tests on Vegas I had never seen used before either. |
|
| |
|
 Champ
Posts: 19623
Location: Peg-Leg Julia Grimm | Thank you for the new knowledge SKM. <3 |
|
| |
|
Poor Cracker Girl
Posts: 12150
Location: Feeding mosquitos, FL | SKM - 2016-07-18 12:09 PM TrackinBubba - 2016-07-18 9:56 AM SKM - 2016-07-18 11:39 AM TrackinBubba - 2016-07-18 9:33 AM SKM - 2016-07-18 10:46 AM GLP - 2016-07-18 8:33 AM If you don't mind my asking, what made ya'll think to look at his neck? When the vet did a lameness exam, he tested very positive for soreness in the SI to the two flexion tests for SI that she did. She said he was about the 4th sorest SI she'd ever seen. She said if they are really sore in the SI, you ALWAYS need to X-ray the neck as a chronically sore SI could be due to a neck injury. He did not go off on any neurological tests so she was very optimistic that we caught it in time and could manage it. It's when you have no idea there's anything wrong so arthritis develops that you have neuro issues as the arthritis starts to grind and pinch on the spinal chord. That's when you end up with wobblers. As eye opening as this has been with what I went through with Sidekick and now Fame, if I ever have a horse get in a wreck or buy from someone, you can bet I will spend the money to get neck X-rays.
How did they flex the SI? I have a colt with a sore loin and the nagging sensation that something is off. She sort of hooked the hock on her knee and pulled it behind him then trotted him off. The other one she sort of picked it up, held it at the gaskin and right before the move off she lifted it higher as the handler went off. Both tests had that SI in extension. He also pretty much refused to go to the right in a small circle. His injury is on the left side to turning his head right really hurt.
Thanks SKM! I hadn't either. She did some reverse flexion tests on Vegas I had never seen used before either.
Would this vet happen to have a burning desire to come on a working vacation to sunny north Florida?  |
|
| |
|
Saint Stacey
| TrackinBubba - 2016-07-18 11:33 AM
SKM - 2016-07-18 12:09 PM TrackinBubba - 2016-07-18 9:56 AM SKM - 2016-07-18 11:39 AM TrackinBubba - 2016-07-18 9:33 AM SKM - 2016-07-18 10:46 AM GLP - 2016-07-18 8:33 AM If you don't mind my asking, what made ya'll think to look at his neck? When the vet did a lameness exam, he tested very positive for soreness in the SI to the two flexion tests for SI that she did. She said he was about the 4th sorest SI she'd ever seen. She said if they are really sore in the SI, you ALWAYS need to X-ray the neck as a chronically sore SI could be due to a neck injury. He did not go off on any neurological tests so she was very optimistic that we caught it in time and could manage it. It's when you have no idea there's anything wrong so arthritis develops that you have neuro issues as the arthritis starts to grind and pinch on the spinal chord. That's when you end up with wobblers. As eye opening as this has been with what I went through with Sidekick and now Fame, if I ever have a horse get in a wreck or buy from someone, you can bet I will spend the money to get neck X-rays.
How did they flex the SI? I have a colt with a sore loin and the nagging sensation that something is off. She sort of hooked the hock on her knee and pulled it behind him then trotted him off. The other one she sort of picked it up, held it at the gaskin and right before the move off she lifted it higher as the handler went off. Both tests had that SI in extension. He also pretty much refused to go to the right in a small circle. His injury is on the left side to turning his head right really hurt.
Thanks SKM! I hadn't either. She did some reverse flexion tests on Vegas I had never seen used before either.
Lol! She is married with a son who much be 3 or 4 so maybe. |
|
| |
Folks on-line