Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Saga's diagnosis - a triple whammy

After a nerve-wracking weekend thinking of all the horrible things that the vet COULD find in Saga's  follow-up checkup - up to and including fractured sesamoid bones - I was pretty much prepared to have to put him down. He'd have good days when I thought he was getting better, and then bad days when, even with the splint on, he was limping horribly. I really felt like he wasn't getting better consistently, and he was starting to go bonkers in his stall, even with Cash up in the barn to keep him company.

We xrayed Saga for the fourth time in 6 weeks... and finally, we saw something. There are arthritic changes in the fetlock joint, as one would expect with the massive infection in the joint a month ago. These changes will probably continue to get worse over time, but they can be managed with steroid injections.

Unfortunately, the other thing we saw was a bone lesion on the pastern, just under the fetlock joint. Oddly enough, Cash has ALSO a bone lesion on his left hock, just under the joint where the suspensory connects. This is what sidelined him from jumping all those years ago, and also what eventually caused me to retire him from all but light dressage work. Basically the lesion will reattach with rest, but as soon as there is enough motion in the area, the lesion will reappear. For Cash, the breaking point was any collection or extension work, which basically limited him to Training Level dressage movements. Of course, the fetlock is a much more mobile joint than the hock, which means it's likely that the healing/reinjury cycle will be constant. One wrong step, or even a moment of trotting, may be enough to exacerbate Saga's bone lesion. Time will tell.

There's also the lesion on the sesamoid ligament that we have to worry about too, so pretty much we're looking at three problems together - on top of the joint infection, which we've managed to take care of. Taken together, these are career-ending, and it's extremely likely (because of the bone lesion) that Saga will never be rideable again. My vet does think that he will be pasture sound in a month or two, so there is some hope for that.

We're taking it one day at a time. We've weaned him off the splint, and he's going out in the barn with Cash during the day. The two of them hang out and eat hay, and pick on each other a little bit (it's very cute). Saga is standing with weight on both front feet now, pretty constantly. He'll take a few steps that look almost normal, then he'll take one where it's obvious something is horribly wrong. He only makes left-hand turns, where the injured right leg is on the outside. I've seen him try to go right, and he literally has to hop around (like a canter pirouette) to do it. He cannot trot, although he really seems to want to at times. He's still wearing standing wraps pretty much all the time, but we're going to start to wean him off of those as well, and the bute. Whether or not he will ever get any better than this only time will tell, but as long as he continues to improve we're going to give him the chance.

I've starting thinking about horse shopping again, but to be honest, my heart really isn't in it. I have two broken horses, and although neither one of them got hurt while doing something riding-related, I still feel responsible. How is it that people keep horses sound and eventing at 16+, I have absolutely no idea. Plus, the thought of starting over is hard. Saga and I were really starting to form a solid team, a good partnership... and now that's gone.

Go hug your horses, y'all.

15 comments:

  1. I am so sorry to hear this. I have had horses that "broke" as young horses and at the height of their careers, and though it never happened in a riding accident, as you say, I still felt responsible/guilty. I know just what you mean. But I also have/had horses that are sound, retired horses in their twenties and thirties, and I used these just the same as the ones that "broke." Give yourself a hug...its not your fault. I honestly believe its a combination of luck and genetics that keeps some horses sound and others not...especially if the horses in question are owned by a responsible caring owner like you.

    Give yourself some time, too. Winter isn't the best time to buy a horse, anyway. Maybe by spring you'll be ready. And maybe the "right" horse will fall into your lap if you're open to it...that happens a lot for me when I need a horse. Sending you (and Saga and Cash) many good wishes for healing and peace.

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    1. Laura, thanks. I sure wish we could predict the ones that will be sound for most of their lives. It really makes you question breeding and using these days.

      I am sure that eventually the right horse will fall in my lap, but experience says it will take some time before that happens. I'm hoping that if I start looking now, by the time I'm ready the right one will be there for me.

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  2. Aw Jen - I'm so sorry to hear this.

    Please don't feel bad about your horses' injuries. I think there are many many more lame horses out there, whose people don't even know, or worse - care - that they aren't 100%. Saga and Cash hit the jackpot with you. And you and Saga did have an epic summer... if he was going to retire, at least you two really went for it. (I know it still sucks!)

    The right pony will come along at the right time for you - I have no doubt about that.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Many jingles for the equines!

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    1. CFS, it always appalls me that people can't tell when their horses are lame. When I was looking for Saga, I must've sat on 10 horses - not cheap horses either! - that were laaaame. I could feel it at the trot. Their owners had no clue... blows my mind.

      And yeah, Cash and Saga are gonna have it pretty good. Room service twice a day to their own private suite. Not a bad gig!

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  3. So sorry to hear this. :-( I can't even imagine what you're going through. Hugs to you and yours.

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  4. So sorry, I wish I could magically make him feel better. Don't feel responsible for the injuries, it happens and I doubt you caused any of it. Life sucks sometimes. :-(

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    1. I wish I could magically make him sound again too, but at least he's getting better day by day!

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  5. Horses give us so much joy, but they break our hearts too. So sorry.

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    1. Terry, they DO break our hearts... but I think what they give us in return is worth it. :)

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  6. I'm so sorry to hear about his diagnosis. I hope he continues to improve and can have a happy life playing with Cash in the pasture.

    I just met a man the other day who is competing on a 34 year old mare, and they're doing team penning. It blows my mind. Meanwhile, my old man was retired when he was 6.

    These things just happen and they suck, but please don't blame yourself one bit... Saga is a lucky boy to have you!

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    1. I'd forgotten that AJ was retired at 6. That sucks. He's upwards of 20 now, isn't he?

      And the guy with the 34 yo mare? Can I have some of those genes please???

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  7. I have been waiting anxiously for an update about Saga. There are no words to describe the sadness you must feel about the end of your working partnership with your beautiful boy. I am relieved to hear that there is now a chance he will be able to retire with Cash. Your horses are so lucky to have you.

    Take all the time you need regarding the horse-shopping and ride the big guy if you feel like some comfort from the saddle.

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    1. Val, thanks. I am sad that Saga and I won't gave a working relationship any more, but I am so, SO relieved that I don't have to make "that decision" today or tomorrow or hopefully for the foreseeable future.

      As for comfort from the saddle, I'm actually be sneaking rides on Reddums. Much to his chagrin, as I'm pretty sure he thought that HE was retired after Oberon came to live with us!

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