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[RC] Splint injury? - Melinda FaubelHello everyone -
Was hoping that someone here could give me advice/encouragement on this matter. I searched the archives but there didn't seem to be a whole lot of info.
When out on a trail ride on Sunday I made a poor decision and decided to have my horse cross some very flat/slick rocks in order to get to some water. Of course she slipped (I was dismounted). She didn't actually fall, but there was definately some scrambling. After it was all said and done she seemed fine, I trotted her out on the way home and she looked/felt sound. I trotted her out that night and the day after and seemed sound, although I did find a slight bump on the inside of the front leg, up near the knee. On Wednesday I we went out for an easy 10 mile (flat) ride. She trotted sound but didn't want to move out and after getting back her heart rate didn't drop as quickly as I am used to, and once it did drop, it kept spiking up again (unusual). The next day (Thursday) I trotted her out on the straight (sound) and put her on a lunge and had her trot in both directions. Willing to trot and looks sound. However, when I pick up her leg and aggresively palapate the lump on the inside of the leg, it is tender. She is a 10 year old mare in fairly good condition (currently doing 50 milers on her this season).
Does this sound like an aggrevated splint? Is this something that will resolve on her own with rest? I have had a lot of vet bills this year and would like to avoid going to the vet if possible. Once the bump is no longer painful can I start slowly putting her back to work? Or this one of thoes injuries (like a bowed tendon) that needs to continue healing well after the pain is gone?
I'm fairly certain that she is going to be out for the rest of the season (I had fireworks, camp far west, mariposa, and desert gold lined up...maybe orville), however does anyone have any experience with this condition and how long the horse was laid up?
Thanks for you advice in advance.
Melinda
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