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I have a 9 year old Event horse that has a hole in the left front suspensory at attachment. also mid-body old adhesions and old hole that never completely healed. What are the best options to rehab this horse? I have heard of shockwave, shockwave with SDFT (?) and platelet plasma injections. Just want to know which direction will be best. he is off for the rest of the season. I have him in a large box stall with an ice bandage. Thank you.
Hello. Thank you for asking your question. My name isXXXXX will try to help.
My own horse had a 16 cm x 1 cm tear at the insertion of the suspensory on the L front as well. I had a surgical specialist do a procedure where they make tiny incisions in the fascia that covers that area. This increases blood supply to the area. The told me she may never be sound again and 4 years later, we are showing FEI dressage. So I would recommend the fasciotomy. 6 months of rehab and then back to normal work.
I tried shock wave. It is a temporary fix. It helps short term with the pain. It does not seem to help speed up the healing.
Platelet rich plasma is also effective because it increase the blood flow to the area which speeds up healing.
The shock wave can help break up adhesions though. But you could get those reduced if you had the fasciotomy done.
I also used a cold laser, on the leg, every day. This increases blood flow to the area and help with collagen repair. You can rent one online.
I have not seen very good success with stem cells which is where they harvest tissue from the hip, and then plant it into the affected area.
So do not give up hope, my horse had one of the worst injuries and she has been sound for three years.
You will have to be very careful when you rehab.
I would go to a surgical specialty clinic or a veterinary school.
If you have additional questions, please click "reply." Thanks
Experience: DVM for 14 years, Equine chiropractor, Riding 34 years
Hi,I'm just following up on our conversation about your pet. How is everything going?Dr. Gabby
I am having trouble finding the right cold laser to purchase. I looked on-line for rentals and think it may be in my best interest to purchase one. She is on week 3 of stall rest. She is wrapping her at night with poultice and we cold-hose her 2x/day for 20 minutes.I will also inquire about the fasciotomy you had recommended. Thank you for your help!!!!! Fondly, Susan Ahern