slab fracture
Moderators: Roguelet, hpkingjr, WaveMaster, madelyn
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slab fracture
I should know this, but what is a slab fracture?
"Slab Fracture Fracture through a bone of the hock or knee producing a large slab of bone off the front surface. Many of these fractures heal with box rest but some require the use of screws to reattach the fracture fragment."
Quoted from http://virtualhorse.freewebpage.org/healthqz.html
The Merck Veterinary Manual (online) seems to think horses with slab fractures usually don't regain full athletic function...
But there was also a study I saw online where it said 71% of TB's and 92% of Standardbreds returned to racing after conservative treatment (ie. meds & stall rest for 8-10 months if I remember the numbers correctly) depending on where the fracture was, how extensive it was, etc.
Hope this helps!
Quoted from http://virtualhorse.freewebpage.org/healthqz.html
The Merck Veterinary Manual (online) seems to think horses with slab fractures usually don't regain full athletic function...
But there was also a study I saw online where it said 71% of TB's and 92% of Standardbreds returned to racing after conservative treatment (ie. meds & stall rest for 8-10 months if I remember the numbers correctly) depending on where the fracture was, how extensive it was, etc.
Hope this helps!
"The best things in life are worth waiting for"
Good question. I'd leave someone with racing experience to advise you there. My theory is that if the horse is sound and it's not adding damage to the injury, that it shouldn't hurt to race it. The other train of thought I had, is that if you were to start racing, it would probably be wiser to take a horse that's never had a soundness issue.
I don't know enough about racing or leg injuries to offer advice (even for the knowledge aspect) about it. I'm not a member of the race world (hopefully someday), but I have fun riding and caring for various OTTB's that have been or are in the process of being retrained for a new career.
I don't know enough about racing or leg injuries to offer advice (even for the knowledge aspect) about it. I'm not a member of the race world (hopefully someday), but I have fun riding and caring for various OTTB's that have been or are in the process of being retrained for a new career.
"The best things in life are worth waiting for"
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Yeah, I don't do the racing thing either. I'm strictly an OTTB reschooler, myself. But I do hunters and jumpers, and I wouldn't think a horse like this would be a candidate for that, but I dunno... I'd love to add a new kind of "cripple" to my list of injuries that are ok, ya' know? I do love to give a gimp a chance!
OTTB's are just awesome. I love how a lot of them are still in shape from racing and how they tend to have decent breeding behind them, which is helpful, as they're inexpensive (sometimes) to acquire, and with a bit of time and effort, often turn into amazing riding horses. It's amazing to see the personality shifts of some of them too, some of the most aggressive horses have become the sweethearts of the barn. Plus if a mare becomes unsound due to an injury, she could still be affordable (and produce nice babies )
"The best things in life are worth waiting for"
I retrain OTTB's and also breed and race. There are factors to consider with all OTTB's. Whether or not the horse will stay sound on an old injury is only one thing.. whether or not a buyer's vet will flag it and kill the deal is another. I try to only work with sound ones. A slab fracture on a knee to me would kill any idea of jumping. Old cold tendons, however, or small splints could be livable. Depends on what the horse is going on to do. Many horses race with injuries or deformities that would be totally unacceptable in any sort of sporthorse. I got a call about a lovely 17.1 gelding but gosh he had stringhalt. The trainer said, "yeah, he moves a little funny in the right hind but it doesn't seem to affect him at the gallop, just at the walk" and had NO IDEA the horse was basically worthless as a hunter type. I have learned to trust only my eyes, not my ears, except with certain trainers who not only tell me the whole truth and nothing but the truth but KNOW everything about their horses. One thing I know for sure. To compete at the highest level, whether it is in racing, jumping, eventing, dressage, etc. etc. you must have a sound horse. Period. I have lately had eventers coming to me for babies to start because they have had their hearts and wallets broken by OTTB's who just ended up not being sound enough for the "next level" in training. Don't get me wrong, OTTB's are wonderful. Just keep in mind.. vet the horse and understand its limitations, if any, at the outset.
So Run for the Roses, as fast as you can.....
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Rush- totally agree! I'm such a TB snob now. I don't even mess with anything else.
Madelyn- thanks for explaining in more detail. Really put it in more perspective for me. I was pretty sure they couldn't jump; just figured I'd ask. You never know. And I ALWAYS vet. And I don't mind a high, set bow or some splints as long as they're sound on them now. I'm ok with some dents and dings, a few paint chips, lol! There's never one answer, I look at them all as individuals. And I'm VERY specific with my vet check as to what I will be asking of the horse. Very low-level, beginner hunter types can have more jewelry, high-level serious athlete I'm much more picky about. I don't ask every one of 'em to jump the moon. Some of them just beg to be 2'6" packers, ya' know? But I do like to at least look at some of the banged-up ones anyway. I hate for somebody to end up in an Elmer's bottle just because they might be lame RIGHT NOW. I have a few dents, myself!
And speaking of, have you commented on my slaughter/resale question yet? I've been waiting to see what you have to say. I unfortunately got a little hot under the collar and then had to do some serious backpedalling/begging for forgiveness (I try to think before I type, but this time I did not)-- you might get a kick out of it! And I think I got so ugly I steered everyone away from the second part of the question- I'd like some tips on that as well.
Anyway, thanks to both of you for the info. I learned a new thing today!
Madelyn- thanks for explaining in more detail. Really put it in more perspective for me. I was pretty sure they couldn't jump; just figured I'd ask. You never know. And I ALWAYS vet. And I don't mind a high, set bow or some splints as long as they're sound on them now. I'm ok with some dents and dings, a few paint chips, lol! There's never one answer, I look at them all as individuals. And I'm VERY specific with my vet check as to what I will be asking of the horse. Very low-level, beginner hunter types can have more jewelry, high-level serious athlete I'm much more picky about. I don't ask every one of 'em to jump the moon. Some of them just beg to be 2'6" packers, ya' know? But I do like to at least look at some of the banged-up ones anyway. I hate for somebody to end up in an Elmer's bottle just because they might be lame RIGHT NOW. I have a few dents, myself!
And speaking of, have you commented on my slaughter/resale question yet? I've been waiting to see what you have to say. I unfortunately got a little hot under the collar and then had to do some serious backpedalling/begging for forgiveness (I try to think before I type, but this time I did not)-- you might get a kick out of it! And I think I got so ugly I steered everyone away from the second part of the question- I'd like some tips on that as well.
Anyway, thanks to both of you for the info. I learned a new thing today!
I haven't had time until today to spend on the board.. I glanced at the topic the other day and noticed it had gotten somewhat inflammatory. I could look again and pm you a response if you like. I wrote what I thought was a wonderful article on the subject for Miles when he was thinking of restructuring this site, but it hasn't yet been published.
Anyhow, all these OTTB supporters are so WELCOME and help SO MUCH --to get the word OUT! As Rushtawin said, they can be "inexpensive"!
Anyhow, all these OTTB supporters are so WELCOME and help SO MUCH --to get the word OUT! As Rushtawin said, they can be "inexpensive"!
So Run for the Roses, as fast as you can.....
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That would be cool. I'm surprised I didn't get banished for my bad behavior. But yeah, tell me everything you know. I could stand to learn plenty. Mainly how to hold my tongue!!
One of the big reasons I love OTTB's so much is that they're so cheap! Even if I had billions I'd still buy from the track; I'd just buy lots more...
who wants a made horse, anyway? Where's the fun in that?
One of the big reasons I love OTTB's so much is that they're so cheap! Even if I had billions I'd still buy from the track; I'd just buy lots more...
who wants a made horse, anyway? Where's the fun in that?