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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Coronary Band Injury

10/2/2017

 
I can't make this stuff up. Really. I can't. Just recently I wrote about how whenever Speedy and I are ready to move up a level, an injury sidelines us. We were poised to make our Second Level debut at a USDF show at the end of the month. Now? Nope. New plan.

Just over a week ago, I saw a nasty cut at Speedy's coronary band. I cleaned it, cleaned it the next day, and then wrapped it every other day for a few more days. He was never lame, and he wasn't overly sensitive to being touched, but by the end of a week, it didn't look any better. I called the vet and got an appointment for the next day.
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Kind of gross, but not life threatening.
Dr. Tolley didn't hesitate. He asked if Speedy had been lame and then had me walk Speedy into the treatment bay where he did a nerve block. He didn't need a trot out. He strapped on his leather chaps, a sure sign he's about to get serious, and then pulled out his hoof knife. I've seen way more of the insides of my horses than I would like, but even this one made me look away.
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I avoided shooting any photos with excessive blood.
With a nerve block, Dr. Tolley was able to do a thorough cleaning of the wound. He explained that this type of injury is typically quite painful, so a nerve block is safer for everyone. Once the wound was clean, he pared away the unhealthy tissue and debris. Next, he poked around inside the wound to determine how deep it actually was.

It could have been worse. Dr. Tolley surmised that Speedy hooked his foot on something, and then jammed that something down into the hoof, separating the hoof capsule from the coronary band. The coronary band is where new hoof is created.  
Picture
Two days later.
There isn't any good news here other than this injury happened where the hoof wall is the shortest. That means that it will take less time to grow enough new hoof to ride than if he had done it at the front of the hoof. The prognosis is 3 - 6 months for enough new hoof to grow to be sufficiently weight bearing.

​For the first two weeks, I'll change the bandage every other day. It's a simple wrap comprised of a Telfa pad soaked with my old pal White Lotion (a lead acetate solution that inhibits proud flesh). I'll secure that with half a roll of 6 inch cotton before wrapping the whole thing in vet wrap. Over the weekend, I tossed on an Easy Boot (per Dr. Tolley's suggestion) to keep Speedy from walking out of the bandage. So far, the boot hasn't caused any new damage.
Picture
Completely unbothered.
As long as Speedy stays sound and the tissue starts to harden, I'll keep wrapping it. Since the wound didn't appear deep, Dr. Tolley didn't think antibiotics were necessary, but I am definitely going to keep an eye out for redness, swelling, or an increase in sensitivity. At the end of two weeks, we'll go back to the vet for a check up. 

Depending on what it looks like, I'll either keep wrapping it, or we'll just let it do its thing. Ultimately, the new hoof is going to grow down to bridge the old hoof. They will not meet in a nice tidy line. The new hoof will probably grow over the existing hoof. At some point, we should be able to use some kind of a patch to more securely bind the two. Once there is a solid connection, Speedy can go back to work.
Picture
A long way from his heart.
As I drove home from the vet, my stomach finally tightened and tears threatened. I managed to keep it together until my husband got home. Not going to lie - I boohooed for a while. Yes, I am disappointed about the show, but more than that, I am saddened that my buddy is injured. A wound like this emphasizes their mortality. That's what brought on the tears.

As each year passes, I realize that Speedy and I are in this for life, so what's another few months? In no time at all, we'll be working on those canter to walk transitions again. Second level isn't going anywhere.
Carly
10/2/2017 06:31:23 am

So sorry to hear about this! You guys have definitely had your share of bad luck and inconvenient injuries over the years. Hopefully this one heals up quickly!

Bakersfield Dressage link
10/7/2017 07:08:01 am

It's a relatively simple injury, but inconvenient. Hugs to you.

emma link
10/2/2017 07:04:11 am

ugh that's awful, i'm so sorry :( that definitely ended up being way worse than the original injury made it look. blargh

Bakersfield Dressage link
10/7/2017 07:08:33 am

Yes, but all of a sudden it's looking much better!

Jamie
10/2/2017 08:17:18 am

"As I drove home from the vet, my stomach finally tightened and tears threatened. I managed to keep it together until my husband got home. Not going to lie - I boohooed for a while. Yes, I am disappointed about the show, but more than that, I am saddened that my buddy is injured. A wound like this emphasizes their mortality. That's what brought on the tears."


I hope you aren't ashamed that you cried.. it's perfectly ok/normal/fine to cry! That's how we get rid of bad feelings. :)

Bakersfield Dressage link
10/7/2017 07:09:45 am

I am a frequent crier, so no shame there, just disappointment and sadness. :0)

SarahO link
10/2/2017 09:05:50 am

Really sorry to hear that, that majorly sucks. Glad Speedy is feeling okay at least!

Bakersfield Dressage link
10/7/2017 07:10:23 am

Thanks! He'll get better - he always does. :0)

Amanda link
10/2/2017 11:07:20 am

Oh, I'm SO sorry. That's so hard. I have been in your shoes all too exactly.

I was cleaning things out and realized I still have the Easyboot RX that Tristan used after his surgery. It's not perfect for turnout - it lasted best when he was on stall rest - but I'd be happy to send it to you. Email me if you'd like it.

Bakersfield Dressage link
10/7/2017 07:11:58 am

That's really generous, Amanda, but so far, the regular Easyboot is working just fine! I used them for years as an endurance rider, so I have a few tricks for keeping them on, and since the injury is higher up, the boot doesn't touch it.

Kelly link
10/2/2017 01:22:31 pm

A) I am SO SO Sorry and can 1 million % empathize. Sounds like you and your vet have a good plan, keep us updated.

B) What is this white lotion you speak of? I am possibly struggling with proud flesh now so I'm keeping my ears open.

C) Bandage supplies are super cheap on amazon if you buy in bulk. I got 100 sterile telfas for $12. They also have super cheap gauze rolls, and a dozen 4 in vet wrap rolls for $16.

Bakersfield Dressage link
10/7/2017 07:14:24 am

Thanks, Kelly! White Lotion is a lead acetate solution made by my vet, but I think you can get something similar elsewhere. I've written about it MANY times as it's what I used for nearly a year when Izzy had that horrible cut on his leg. The stuff works like magic. Ask your vet about it.

I'll check out Amazon for bandaging supplies, but I have found that Bid Dee's carries them pretty cheaply too. It never hurts to have multiple supplier though!


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
    I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
    ​Welcome to my dressage journey.
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    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
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    About Izzy

    Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
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Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
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    • 2019 Dressage Tests
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