Splint in back leg...

Crookedblaze · 08-21-2008, 04:02 PM

Well, today the vet came out to do a checkup, floating, etc on Stormy and he found a large splint in her back leg.

He said that it didn't seem like it was doing any damage, and she hasn't looked lame or been sore, but he did say it was something to look out for.

She is intended to be my moms horse, but my mom is a plus size rider (250 lbs), and Stormy is smallish, 15 hands, not built too thick...she's about 1000 lbs.

Would Stormy stay sound if mom rode her? I've never had a horse with a splint, I don't know a whole lot about them.

Sunlei · 08-21-2008, 06:35 PM

I am not exactly sure but I think a splint is when their prehistoric toe kind of shears off where it is/was attached to their leg. Usually no problems.

Horses don't need those toes anymore as they evolved to the grasslands but you could tell your Mom she is riding a dinosour-horse

**seerfarm** · 08-21-2008, 06:42 PM

Sunlei....are you serious?

It all depends on location and if it floats any or not. Some never ever give any problems and some if close enough to muscle and ligiments can create issues. X-rays can help know there exact location and determine if they may be a problem.

Sunlei · 08-21-2008, 07:29 PM

yes, I'm serious. Horses and some other grazing animals,had more toes in prehistoric times. There are remains on many animals where the toes/legs used to be. Horses too

When I was horse shopping a couple of the horses had splints, and the Vets mentioned like you said, usually no problems.

You have to ride the new horse first before you trust Stormy to your Mom. I have seen a lot of large men riding smallish horses and those horses seem ok, I bet the horse will be fine to carry your Mom. Once you have ridden her to make sure she is gentle and carefull with your Mom.

**seerfarm** · 08-21-2008, 07:32 PM

Splints have nothing to do with the third toe.......Third Toe otherwise called the ergot.

Splint information:

http://www.equinesplints.com/

redboy · 08-21-2008, 07:35 PM

Oft times ex racehorses will have old splints and are usually sound once they have healed. My first mare had a splint and it never bothered her once it healed. Plus I know a woman who does endurance riding, and her poor guys are all beat up (she does 100 mile rides on them and has placed in the top 20) and they keep going.
I doubt you'll have any problems, but it would be nice to know how old it is??
Redboy

redboy · 08-21-2008, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seerfarm

Splints have nothing to do with the third toe.......Third Toe otherwise called the ergot.

Splint information:

http://www.equinesplints.com/

Thank you, Redboy

Sunlei · 08-21-2008, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seerfarm

Splints have nothing to do with the third toe.......Third Toe otherwise called the ergot.

Splint information:

http://www.equinesplints.com/

Theres much more history about splints than that and ergots, different too....those horses went back and forth with even 4 toes at times. evolution is amazing, maybe someday horses will grow wings

"Equus as we know him today appeared about 1 to 2 million years ago. Presumably he is a descendent of the first single hoofed animals known as Pilohippus which go back about 6 million years.
It is the three toes of the horse’s ancestors Mesohippus and Miohippus (which existed about 25-40 million years ago) that are most universally acknowledged in the anatomy of modern horse. Between the knee and fetlock joint (equivalent to your ankle) is the cannon bone. On either side of the cannon bone hang two useless bones that are called the splint bones. They are frequently injured and the resulting hard lump is called a splint. We will discuss splints more in future articles on leg and hoof problems. It is generally accepted that these bones are what remains of the two smaller toes of Mesohippus. Those of us who have had deal with horses “popping splints” wish evolution would hurry up and get rid of them all together.

Going back about 60 million years we find an ancestor of the horse called Eohippus. Eohippus presumably had four toes on the front and three on the hind. There is another useless part of a horse’s anatomy that some people think may have been the fourth toe. It is called the ergot. The ergot is a weird little growth right in the middle of the fetlock (the long hair that grows on the back of what is known as the fetlock or ankle joint). Most people never notice it because it is hidden in the long hair. It has the texture of a super hard callus. Normally the ergot is very close to the skin, but sometimes they grow out to an inch or more and can be unsightly when this hair is clipped for show purposes. If your horse has one that is very long, try keeping the area moist with baby oil or petroleum jelly to help the natural shedding and peeling process"

kanoo32 · 08-21-2008, 07:59 PM

Anyway...............A plintis a "popped" bone. More commonly found on the front leg than the hind, but not rare. Since it is on the hind leg and your mother is on the heavier side, in the long run you will be much better off, The front legs bear a lot more wweight than the hind, therefore making a splint more susceptible to reinjury. If your vet looked at it and said that it should not be a problem, then I would be ok with that, for now......

In the future you want to keep an eye on it for heat or tenderness, especially in the middle. Since it is something you have never noticed before a good idea would be to take am x-ray of it for a baseline reference in the future, include the measurements of the splint. As Seer said if a splint is in the right place it can put ondo pressure on the suspensory ligament and cause damage there, which you definitely do not want.

In any event, should it give you problems in the future there are ways to remedy it. I would not worry about it but be aware of it and keep a watchful eye on it.

**seerfarm** · 08-21-2008, 08:06 PM

Putting on my moderator hat here......

I am asking that the topic being addressed stay on point to the OP"s question which was "Would Stormy stay sound if mom rode her?"

If the OP wish to ask more indepth question in regards to history of splint exceterra, then further detail will be fine.

Trying to keep things simple and to point for all our readers.

kanoo32 · 08-21-2008, 08:09 PM

Sorry...................

I do believe that this horse would stay sound for your mom to ride!

Sunlei · 08-21-2008, 09:26 PM

could stay sound. You may wish to use polo wraps or splint boots, (is that what they are called?) to protect the area.

It is a good suggestion above to x-ray to see what you are dealing with. The splint could reattach after a bit of rest, or it could be a new recent injury, could be a old splint that sheared again. Could be inflamed and need a bit of drugs to help. Could be caused by new shoes, or unlevel feet.

I still think you or another experienced rider should ride the new horse first (easy to keep the horse gentle for Mom)to make sure Stormy is ok.

Crookedblaze · 08-21-2008, 09:43 PM

Well, she is afraid of the saddle so I am addressing that first before I get on her.

I have ridden her twice before and she has been fantastic, even after having a year off. She is easy and uncomplicated to ride which is why we purchased her for my mom.

Thanks everyone from the info - much appriciated!

Raaslita · 08-21-2008, 10:21 PM

CB...

My old gelding had a splint on both of his hind legs.. He formed them when he was around 6-7... He was laid to rest at the age of 16...never had a problem with them....

I agree with some of the above.. I would suggest to have it x-rayed if possible to determine the loacation..That way you can best determine if it will be a problem in the long run...

I agree totally with what Seer said...Have the x-ray done..Most of the time though it wont be a problem...

Crookedblaze · 08-21-2008, 10:27 PM

The vet felt it and it is on her right inside leg, a little above the middle, but he said that he doesn't think that she'll need an X-ray, but better safe then sorry. We don't have a trailer right now, but we are on the market for one...then we'll bring her in and get an X-ray.

Raaslita · 08-21-2008, 10:31 PM

I hope everything works out for you.. I know its been a tough couple of weeks for you and this mare.. I hope she is settleing down for you now...

My gelding had them both on the outside about midway up.. Like I said never caused him a problem.... I hope the same is true for you...

Just keep an eye on her, keep working with her and she will be a great horse for your mom..

EquineAlberta · 08-21-2008, 11:00 PM

Do you know why she got a splint? If it is from a kick or something then I would not worry. I likely wouldn't even get an x-ray unless the vet thought it important. I may use brush boots to reduce reinjury.

If the splint is because of strain due to poor conformation, then I would worry....for example a horse with bench knees tends to get splints under the knees...the splints aren't the issue, but the conformation is weak and so less able to handle a heavier rider.

Karen

Crookedblaze · 08-21-2008, 11:18 PM

EquineAlberta, thanks for asking that -

I gave the original rescuer a call, and she said that Stormy has had this for a long time. She has known the mare for 3 years, and she thinks that it was from an injury (which is also what the vet said)

I'll work on getting some rear boots for her...the boys are all a size small and she's a medium

kanoo32 · 08-22-2008, 06:40 AM

Be careful using boots on the hind legs on this mare...................If she has an issue with the saddle, chances are she is really going toresent the boots on her hind legs.

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08-21-2008, 04:02 PM
Crookedblaze Started Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2,360	Splint in back leg... Well, today the vet came out to do a checkup, floating, etc on Stormy and he found a large splint in her back leg. He said that it didn't seem like it was doing any damage, and she hasn't looked lame or been sore, but he did say it was something to look out for. She is intended to be my moms horse, but my mom is a plus size rider (250 lbs), and Stormy is smallish, 15 hands, not built too thick...she's about 1000 lbs. Would Stormy stay sound if mom rode her? I've never had a horse with a splint, I don't know a whole lot about them. __________________ Owned by Rocketman, a 17 year old AQHA and Stormy, a 10 year old Peruvian Paso x Arab

08-21-2008, 06:35 PM
Sunlei Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 950	I am not exactly sure but I think a splint is when their prehistoric toe kind of shears off where it is/was attached to their leg. Usually no problems. Horses don't need those toes anymore as they evolved to the grasslands but you could tell your Mom she is riding a dinosour-horse

08-21-2008, 06:42 PM
seerfarm Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Portal, Ga Posts: 7,732	Sunlei....are you serious? It all depends on location and if it floats any or not. Some never ever give any problems and some if close enough to muscle and ligiments can create issues. X-rays can help know there exact location and determine if they may be a problem. __________________ "To know the road ahead, ask those coming back".

08-21-2008, 07:29 PM
Sunlei Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 950	yes, I'm serious. Horses and some other grazing animals,had more toes in prehistoric times. There are remains on many animals where the toes/legs used to be. Horses too When I was horse shopping a couple of the horses had splints, and the Vets mentioned like you said, usually no problems. You have to ride the new horse first before you trust Stormy to your Mom. I have seen a lot of large men riding smallish horses and those horses seem ok, I bet the horse will be fine to carry your Mom. Once you have ridden her to make sure she is gentle and carefull with your Mom.

08-21-2008, 07:32 PM
seerfarm Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Portal, Ga Posts: 7,732	Splints have nothing to do with the third toe.......Third Toe otherwise called the ergot. Splint information: http://www.equinesplints.com/ __________________ "To know the road ahead, ask those coming back".

08-21-2008, 07:35 PM
redboy Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Eastern Shore of Maryland Posts: 900	Oft times ex racehorses will have old splints and are usually sound once they have healed. My first mare had a splint and it never bothered her once it healed. Plus I know a woman who does endurance riding, and her poor guys are all beat up (she does 100 mile rides on them and has placed in the top 20) and they keep going. I doubt you'll have any problems, but it would be nice to know how old it is?? Redboy

08-21-2008, 07:59 PM
kanoo32 Started Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 2,362	Anyway...............A plintis a "popped" bone. More commonly found on the front leg than the hind, but not rare. Since it is on the hind leg and your mother is on the heavier side, in the long run you will be much better off, The front legs bear a lot more wweight than the hind, therefore making a splint more susceptible to reinjury. If your vet looked at it and said that it should not be a problem, then I would be ok with that, for now...... In the future you want to keep an eye on it for heat or tenderness, especially in the middle. Since it is something you have never noticed before a good idea would be to take am x-ray of it for a baseline reference in the future, include the measurements of the splint. As Seer said if a splint is in the right place it can put ondo pressure on the suspensory ligament and cause damage there, which you definitely do not want. In any event, should it give you problems in the future there are ways to remedy it. I would not worry about it but be aware of it and keep a watchful eye on it. __________________ Even if your on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there!

08-21-2008, 08:06 PM
seerfarm Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Portal, Ga Posts: 7,732	Putting on my moderator hat here...... I am asking that the topic being addressed stay on point to the OP"s question which was "Would Stormy stay sound if mom rode her?" If the OP wish to ask more indepth question in regards to history of splint exceterra, then further detail will be fine. Trying to keep things simple and to point for all our readers. __________________ "To know the road ahead, ask those coming back".

08-21-2008, 08:09 PM
kanoo32 Started Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 2,362	Sorry................... I do believe that this horse would stay sound for your mom to ride! __________________ Even if your on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there!

08-21-2008, 09:26 PM
Sunlei Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 950	could stay sound. You may wish to use polo wraps or splint boots, (is that what they are called?) to protect the area. It is a good suggestion above to x-ray to see what you are dealing with. The splint could reattach after a bit of rest, or it could be a new recent injury, could be a old splint that sheared again. Could be inflamed and need a bit of drugs to help. Could be caused by new shoes, or unlevel feet. I still think you or another experienced rider should ride the new horse first (easy to keep the horse gentle for Mom)to make sure Stormy is ok.

08-21-2008, 09:43 PM
Crookedblaze Started Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2,360	Well, she is afraid of the saddle so I am addressing that first before I get on her. I have ridden her twice before and she has been fantastic, even after having a year off. She is easy and uncomplicated to ride which is why we purchased her for my mom. Thanks everyone from the info - much appriciated! __________________ Owned by Rocketman, a 17 year old AQHA and Stormy, a 10 year old Peruvian Paso x Arab

08-21-2008, 10:21 PM
Raaslita Weanling Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Moreno Valley, CA Posts: 349	CB... My old gelding had a splint on both of his hind legs.. He formed them when he was around 6-7... He was laid to rest at the age of 16...never had a problem with them.... I agree with some of the above.. I would suggest to have it x-rayed if possible to determine the loacation..That way you can best determine if it will be a problem in the long run... I agree totally with what Seer said...Have the x-ray done..Most of the time though it wont be a problem... __________________ Life with out a horse, is not having a life.. RIP Littlebit 1997-2008,life without you will never be the same

08-21-2008, 10:27 PM
Crookedblaze Started Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2,360	The vet felt it and it is on her right inside leg, a little above the middle, but he said that he doesn't think that she'll need an X-ray, but better safe then sorry. We don't have a trailer right now, but we are on the market for one...then we'll bring her in and get an X-ray. __________________ Owned by Rocketman, a 17 year old AQHA and Stormy, a 10 year old Peruvian Paso x Arab

08-21-2008, 10:31 PM
Raaslita Weanling Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Moreno Valley, CA Posts: 349	I hope everything works out for you.. I know its been a tough couple of weeks for you and this mare.. I hope she is settleing down for you now... My gelding had them both on the outside about midway up.. Like I said never caused him a problem.... I hope the same is true for you... Just keep an eye on her, keep working with her and she will be a great horse for your mom.. __________________ Life with out a horse, is not having a life.. RIP Littlebit 1997-2008,life without you will never be the same

08-21-2008, 11:00 PM
EquineAlberta Seasoned Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 4,425	Do you know why she got a splint? If it is from a kick or something then I would not worry. I likely wouldn't even get an x-ray unless the vet thought it important. I may use brush boots to reduce reinjury. If the splint is because of strain due to poor conformation, then I would worry....for example a horse with bench knees tends to get splints under the knees...the splints aren't the issue, but the conformation is weak and so less able to handle a heavier rider. Karen __________________ Hillside Stable, Ardrossan, AB Do unto others as you would have them do unto you...is it really that hard?

08-21-2008, 11:18 PM
Crookedblaze Started Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2,360	EquineAlberta, thanks for asking that - I gave the original rescuer a call, and she said that Stormy has had this for a long time. She has known the mare for 3 years, and she thinks that it was from an injury (which is also what the vet said) I'll work on getting some rear boots for her...the boys are all a size small and she's a medium __________________ Owned by Rocketman, a 17 year old AQHA and Stormy, a 10 year old Peruvian Paso x Arab

08-22-2008, 06:40 AM
kanoo32 Started Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 2,362	Be careful using boots on the hind legs on this mare...................If she has an issue with the saddle, chances are she is really going toresent the boots on her hind legs. __________________ Even if your on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there!