P-2 Fracture! Any Advice? - Health & Supplements - Health & Supplements - Horse Community, Horse Pictures, Horse Forum and Information

Posted : 12/13/2009 12:09:29 PM

About 6 weeks ago, I was lounging a great little mare in training. She took a bad step, and fractured her P-2 in 3 places. Thankfully, Purdue University is close. After a VERY stressful loading experience, we managed to get her there. The break was too bad for screws and plates--so they put 2 rods through her cannon bone, then through the cast, to support her weight while the P-2 healed. There's always a big risk of founder with that treatment, but we've made it through that stage okay. The rods are now out, and she's in a regular cast for another 2 weeks. Then, we'll be able to bring her home, but still need to keep her wrapped, etc.

Here's my question--Should we just be happy that we've got her as a broodmare, or is there any hope she can ever be shown? I've heard some stories of horses who've made remarkable comebacks after this injury--but can't confirm any of them. Also, is there anything we'll need to be especially careful of? I'll be very grateful for any insights!

And, I can't say enough good things about the vet students at Purdue! They have been amazing--and if not for them, we'd have had to put this girl down!! Thanks everyone!

hunterseat

Posted : 12/13/2009 12:42:31 PM

I have a friend (Comet's mom) who has a mare (Comet's biological mom) that recovered from a broken leg. Having said that, she's never ridden but my friend has other horses she rides. Okay, now that I think, I have another friend/aquaintence with a horse that broke a leg and she jumps so... I'm going to email my vet friend out of curiosity. They know the jumper.

hunterseat

Posted : 12/13/2009 9:32:51 PM

Okay, I emailed a couple of friends, one of whom is married to a vet. [ ':D'

] Here're the responses:
1. Hmmm….I don#%92t know. I#%92ll forward that onto our resident Veterinarian and see what he thinks! ';)'

[

]
2.I have seen several horses recover from fractures. A lot depends on where the fracture is , the nature of the horse and the pocket book of the owner. VERY EXPENSIVE and major recovery care! Take care! (from the resident Vet)[ ':)'

]
3. Beth, that was Diana Carney's horse Danny, and he did do a little jumping after his leg healed, but not much! He is a steady trail horse now. Her address is (email addy omitted, pm me -hunterseat- for it) if you want to ask her about it. Sounds like it's still early to think about usability for this horse, the road is very rocky ahead of her at this point!
Hope all goes well for your friend and her horse, take care, Marcie

myhoofpics

Posted : 12/14/2009 12:08:12 PM

Thanks a million for tracking down this input! One thing is for sure--it HAS been expensive. But, we just couldn't let them put her down without trying. She's only 5, and even if she only becomes a broodmare, at least she will have a job. I've had to put down a few horses over the years--and it is really painful! Hope you have wonderful holidays!!

hunterseat

Posted : 12/14/2009 12:15:09 PM

Thanks for the holiday wishes. Same for you.
I'm struggling with a newly blind horse so.... I'll do everything possible to keep him. AND if he didn't want to survive he wouldn't be turning his butt to every imagined threat.
I'm happy for the mare that she's being given a chance. All you can do is all you can do. But it sounds like light riding is a definate possibility!

TanyaC97

Posted : 12/16/2009 2:42:15 PM

I too have heard amazing stories about recoveries for fractures. I would say you have a long road ahead of you. But starting off with the best of care at a top facility is a huge plus.