Tendon Rehab

On Monday (day 3) this gelding was treated with PEMF (Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Wave) or MagnaWave therapy.  We have found this to be very useful in increasing circulation and promoting healing in recent injuries and also with rehabbing old injuries.  He walked out much better after the treatment.  On Tuesday the heat was gone in the leg, swelling less but still there.   Cold hosing and polticing were done on both Monday and Tuesday.  

Wednesday morning he was back to limping but not as bad as when he came in.  It was decided to do a follow up PEMF treatment and once again he improved.  By Friday he was back to lame and holding the hoof up, laying down frequently and I could tell he was not feeling good.  Continued with cold and poltice therapies.  

I began to suspect a hoof abscess.  Unfortunately with the shoe and pad there is no way to assess the hoof.  Saturday the owner came to pick the horse up (he was out of town during the therapy week).  In discussion it was revealed that the vet did not do radiographs (x-rays) so diagnosis was with presenting symptoms.  During the hosing and clipping of the excess hair, a pastern cut was observed that appeared to be recent rather than an old scar.  This could also contribute to the injury.   

The hooves themselves do not appear to be correctly balanced prior to installing the shoes and pads.  It was determined that the owner would take the horse back to the vet for a follow up examination, request shoe removal and discuss our findings with the vet to help get a better diagnosis of the situation.  This time the owner is able to talk with the vet armed with lots of education and information so he can ask probing questions and be part of the treatment plan.  He will follow up with me and hopefully with more information, a bare hoof to examine we can get this horse back to soundness quickly.