In November 2004, we started our series on healing times and the likelihood of a favorable prognosis for health issues, injuries and illnesses that cause lay-up time. The November issue included non-hoof related injuries and illnesses to the legs.
Colic, nonsurgical
ACUTE TREATMENT: Walk; remove all hay and grain; medications as ordered; close watch on feet for signs of laminitis.
ONGOING TREATMENT: Vet may leave recommended medication. Follow specific care instructions, usually restricted grain and turn out or hand walk. Check manure character.
STALL TIME: Until pain resolves.
PADDOCK TIME: When pain is over.
WALKING: Immediately and as often as possible. Mild exercise stimulates good circulation and helps relieve pain.
SLOW WORK: Usually in 1 to 2 days.
FULL WORK: Usually in 2 days.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS: Could be indicator of more serious problem. Make every attempt to track down cause.
INDICATORS OF HEALING: Pain relief; return of appetite.
PROGNOSIS: Guarded to good, depending on cause.
Colic, surgical
ACUTE TREATMENT: Surgery and hospitalization for up to two weeks.
ONGOING TREATMENT: Keep a close eye on the wound for the next few weeks, looking for signs of redness, swelling or drainage. Diet as ordered. Ample water at all times. No medications unless specifically ordered by surgeon. Avoid stress.
STALL TIME: Until sutures are removed.
PADDOCK TIME: In a few weeks.
WALKING: Hand walking starting second or third day after surgery.
SLOW WORK: Variable. Depends on the extent of the surgery. Could be as early as two weeks after surgery.
FULL WORK: Only after very slow and careful reconditioning with slow work. Usually 6 to 8 weeks of reconditioning.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS: Infection. Wound breakdown. Adhesions (scar tissue) may form around the intestines, which causes abdominal pain.
INDICATORS OF HEALING: Wound clean, dry and no signs of separation. Normal manure in amount and character. Normal appetite. No pain with exercise.
PROGNOSIS: Guarded for return to strenuous activity in the long term as adhesions often form and can cause abdominal pain on extreme movement.
Foaling
ACUTE TREATMENT: Clean vaginal area and tail of all blood and tissue. Treat navel of foal with iodine. Inspect the placenta, checking to be sure it is intact and complete. Observe foal until it has defecated and nursed.
ONGOING TREATMENT: Get vet check of mare within first 24 hours. Observe mare and foal carefully for normal urination, defecation, appetite and water/milk consumption. Check mare's udder and vaginal area daily for heat, swelling, abnormal discharge.
STALL TIME: Stall rest for up to a day.
PADDOCK TIME: Turnout after a day.
WALKING: As necessary.
SLOW WORK: No.
FULL WORK: No.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS: Reproductive tract tears/injury are the main concern. Get a vet check within 24 hours. Observe attitude of mare and check for foul smelling vaginal discharge twice daily first 72 hours.
INDICATORS OF HEALING: Vaginal swelling will resolve within first week. Both mare and baby will be recovered from birth trauma within 48 to 72 hours.
PROGNOSIS: Excellent.
