Is a splint on a horse bad?

Is a splint on a horse bad?

For the most part, splints are cosmetic blemishes that don’t interfere with a horse’s long-term athletic ability. However, some can result in significant lameness, especially in the immediate injury period or, in rare cases, where there is impingement of the suspensory ligament.

Do splints in horses go away?

If no fracture is found, then splints will often do very well with conservative management alone. This involves a period of rest, and anti-inflammatories if your horse is quite sore. There are a variety of different lotions and creams available which claim to reduce the inflammation and improve healing of a splint.

How does a splint affect a horse?

If the splint is unstable or your horse has been brought back into work too soon, it can result in excess new bone formation. Although it is a relatively rare occurrence, in the worst cases, this exuberant callus formation on the inside of the splint may impinge on the suspensory ligament.

Can you ride a horse with splints?

A veterinarian can advise when it is safe to begin hand-walking, and eventually resume riding or driving. Although a small lump usually remains visible at the site of the injury, many splints never lead to additional trouble.

Can horse splints get bigger?

If a horse is not rested and treated appropriately, a splint may become progressively larger. Splints can occur on any leg, but occur most often in young sport horses on the inside of the front legs.

How long does a splint take to form on a horse?

It can vary from horse to horse but you need to be thinking something from around 4-6 weeks at least, with longer cases taking around 12 weeks in total to settle. In some cases though, the inflammation and swelling associated with a splint forming can impinge on the suspensory ligament and this is more serious.

Do splints cause lameness in horses?

The periosteal new bone formation (splint) can irritate the surrounding soft tissue, such as the suspensory ligament that runs between them, and cause lameness depending on the size, shape and location of the splint.

Do splint boots prevent splints?

Splints boots are a necessity for horses used in performance events, such as barrel racing and cutting. Any rider, however, may choose to use splint boots for added protection when riding. After all, any step that prevents an injury to your horse’s delicate splint bones and tendons is worth the time and effort.

How long does a splint take to heal horse?

Veterinarians use many different methods to treat “splints”, but most would agree, that the horse should be rested and placed on soft ground for at least 30 days.

How long is a horse lame with a splint?

Depending on the type and severity of the splint, a horse may be boxed for 4-6 weeks, combined with daily treatment protocols. If the horse is not rested properly, the damaged tissues can not recover, inflammation will continue and the splint will become larger.

Can splints cause lameness?

The periosteal new bone formation (splint) can irritate the surrounding soft tissue, such as the suspensory ligament that runs between them, and cause lameness depending on the size, shape and location of the splint. The suspensory ligament and the check-ligament are most often affected.

How do you get rid of splints in horses?

Best treatment for splints in horses Modern technologies in veterinary medicine, have allowed owners to treat horse splints with Commonly Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are prescribed such as Bute. Topical Anti inflammatories ointments may also provide relief for most horses and stop further irritation.