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fractured ulna

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Jan 13, 2006, 10:25 PM

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fractured ulna	Can't Post

Has anyone ever had to deal with a fractured ulna? We have an 8 month old filly who came up lame last week. Initial examinations by the vets indicated she could have been kicked by her pasture mate. Upon the swelling going down, and the ability to obtain clearer X-rays, I have just been informed that she has an ulna with multiple fractures. They are guessing this is the result of kicking up her heels, slipping and falling directly on her shoulder. Her films are being sent to a surgeon for a consult. Is it crazy to hope for a positive outcome or should we just put her down now and get it overwith?

Also- would it be unrealistic to think that maybe a breeder would want her for a future broodmare? We would of course fully disclose her condition. She is a registered breed stock paint horse. Any advice or criticism would be appreciated here.
Thanks!

Mark4510
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Jan 18, 2006, 1:59 PM

Post #2 of 12 (1710 views)
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Re: [spotless] fractured ulna [In reply to]	Can't Post

STOP!!!!!

DO NOT put her down unless she is in terrible pain until you get at least a second opinion. If she is sound enough to stand and get around, it is likely that she can carry the weight of a pregnancy (although check with a good equine vet).

There are so many changes in treatments out there that consulting a good equine vet is a good investment.

I am sorry to hear that this happened but it sure is nice to see people taking care of their horses.

Thanks and let us know what you find out.

Regards,
Mark

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Jan 19, 2006, 1:09 AM

Post #3 of 12 (1702 views)
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Re: [Mark4510] fractured ulna [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thank you for the encouragement. She does not appear to be in terrible pain, even if I do not give her bute. I have purchased a "holistic" healing book in an attempt to heal her naturally. There is an herb called "comfrey" that is said to assist in the healing of broken bones. You brew it as a tea and use the leaves for a poultice. I have been wrapping her leg with this and also rubbing the left over tea on her leg. This may be terribly silly, but it makes me feel better while I wait for the surgical consult to come back. My mother-in-law has also fashioned a type of sling to hold an orthopedic magnet that we can keep it in direct contact with the fracture. Ok, do I sound like a loon yet? Last year we had to put down a colt the day after it was born because it had a severe birth defects in its spine and rib cage. I had 2 vets look at it and both said they had never seen anything like it before. I really want to do whatever I can to save this one. She is completely healthy and strong except for the fracture.
Wish me luck!

Mark4510
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Jan 20, 2006, 12:21 PM

Post #4 of 12 (1692 views)
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Re: [spotless] fractured ulna [In reply to]	Can't Post

Spotless,
You don�t sound like a loon at all. I think its great you are doing everything you can.

As long as the treatment does not do other damage I think you should give it a try.

Let us know how things are working out.

Regards,
Mark

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Jan 20, 2006, 10:10 PM

Post #5 of 12 (1683 views)
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Re: [Mark4510] fractured ulna [In reply to]	Can't Post

The surgical consult went as follows: No amount of money or surgery will help this filly. There is nothing to pin anything to because the ulna is in several pieces. They are not even sure if she can be a brood mare, because of potential complications with the good legs from atrophy and the stress of bearing the extra weight on her young bones. She will require physical therapy to keep the good legs going as well as the bad leg, and full time stall confinement. They say it will be 6 months before they know if she can be a brood mare. She will always limp, has the potential for arthritis development in the bad leg, and most of all, she will never be able to be ridden. I just found out this information yesterday morning and am still in shock from it. The consulting surgeon said he had never seen an ulna in that many pieces. My family is devastated as am I. Thank you for the words of encouragement.

Mark4510
Silver Member

Jan 23, 2006, 3:40 PM

Post #6 of 12 (1674 views)
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Re: [spotless] fractured ulna [In reply to]	Can't Post

Sandy,
I am very sorry to hear that. That sort of thing can sure knock the wind out of you and the decisions you have to make are tough ones.

I guess my two cents would be:
1. If she is not in pain or the pain is minor, please don�t give up on her. Horses can be really resilient. On the other hand, don�t hang on too long. If she is in pain (mental or physical) then do the right thing and put her down.
2. We are laying up my reiner/cowhorse for 3 months with stall rest and hand walking for 10 minutes. Although he is not a baby, he is still young and has a lot of energy. It can be done if you have the time and patience.
3. I get up every morning with a bad back, bad knees and general stiffness but I keep going. The last horse we sent off to a good trail walking retirement home is stiff and a bit sore when he gets started but that does not stop him from loving his life.
4. I would think of her as your favorite pasture ornament. Just decide to make her a pet and give her the best life you can. Remember, there comes a time when all horses should be retired�..she is just going to get there a bit sooner.
5. Give it a try��If it gets to the point where she is in too much pain or the risk to her is too great you can put her down knowing you did everything you could for her.

Be strong for her regardless of the decision you make.

You, her and your family will be in our prayers and keep us posted.

Mark

JimHess
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Jan 23, 2006, 11:55 PM

Post #7 of 12 (1666 views)
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Re: [spotless] fractured ulna [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm very sorry to hear the prognosis on your filly. I've been reading your postings with interest, hoping for the best. We knew some people who had a stud colt that had a similar accident. They kept him for another year and bred him, but it was sad to see him dragging himself around, and they finally had to make the decision. I'm really sorry. I hate when this stuff happens.

-Jim

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Jan 24, 2006, 12:55 AM

Post #8 of 12 (1662 views)
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Re: [Mark4510] fractured ulna [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thank you for your words of encouragement. It is really tough to see her this way. I am still rubbing her with the tea leaves, and have figured out a new way to secure a magnet to the area. (We sort of secure) She seems to find new ways to undo what I am trying to do to help her. I have e-mailed UC Davis in the hopes they could possibly take her. I have also done some research on stem cells. Stem cells harvested from the fat of the injured horse, and re-ijected at the site of injury, have shown to be highly effective in healing fractures and tendon damage. I just can't find a situation where an injury like this was ever healed. I will keep you all posted.

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Jan 24, 2006, 12:58 AM

Post #9 of 12 (1663 views)
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Re: [JimHess] fractured ulna [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thank you for your kind words. It is very hard to see her hobbling around. When I go visit her she seems to want to rest her head on my shoulder and just stay there. We may very well have to make that terrible decision and just do waht is right for her. I want to give it a little more time.

Mark4510
Silver Member

Jan 24, 2006, 1:17 PM

Post #10 of 12 (1652 views)
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Re: [spotless] fractured ulna [In reply to]	Can't Post

Sandy,
Where in Northern Calif are you located?

If you have not called Pioneer Equine in Lodi I might suggest you try them. See if you can get some time with Brad Jackman or Jerry Black.

Regards,
Mark

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Jan 24, 2006, 9:38 PM

Post #11 of 12 (1643 views)
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Re: [Mark4510] fractured ulna [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thank you for the lead. I will definately check them out. I have spoken to a few rescue sites, but none are in a position to handle this type of injury. Hopefully next time I post it will be good news!

Mark4510
Silver Member

Jan 25, 2006, 2:18 PM

Post #12 of 12 (1639 views)
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Re: [spotless] fractured ulna [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hello Sandy,
Just a couple of other thoughts�..

My experience with most teaching hospitals is that they seem to want to do surgery for everything and they sometimes they can be a little closed minded. I am not saying you should not go to them but we always get a second opinion.

Another vet that has been a great leg vet for us has been Marty Gardner in Gardnerville NV. He travels to CA to visit a lot of big barns and he is generally very willing to talk and see other horses when he is in Northern CA. If you want his number let me know and I can get it for you.

There is a gentleman in our area had so much success with stem cell for horses that he has invested a significant amount of money into research. We have seen some pretty amazing things on that front with injured horses so you might be right on track.

Best of luck.
Mark

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