Broken pelvis or pelvic problems in horses

[horse2008]

Hi - does anyone know of a horse that has successfully recovered after having a broken pelvis or pelvice problems? I have a mare that I have been given that used to race - we think she might have had a bad fall and does not look right behind. Would be interested to hear anyones experiences. many thanks

[gwenoakes]

Hi ya, sorry to hear of the problems you are having. PM JennyB as her horse had this problem and has now recovered. Am sure she wont mind. Good luck.

[fluffypony]

My chiro thinks my pony possibly broke something in this area in a going over backwards fall a few years ago and this was why he was at the market to be sold. He is ok for light work but needs to be kept in regular work if he is to do anything or his back legs get a bit wobbly. He needs the muscle kept strong. He also has a funny shaped rear end...if you feel upwards from the top of his tail you can feel where the damage was done, it goes in two ridges, I think I have some pics somewhere, although not sure how easy it is to see in photos if you havent felt his bum lol ;D His is more like a crush injury though..with mild neurological damage. Not sure if this is any help to you.

[jennyb]

Yes, mine broke his pelvis in 2001. He is now "ok" of sorts, although it is a constant struggle to keep his muscles level and therefore him level too. Having said that, once he is fit & muscled he's fine to hack, dressage, showjump and xc (small fences). I just have to accept with the DR that sometimes he might have an off day and look slightly lame behind, although this is more of a mechanical issue than a pain issue.

If you have recently obtained this horse, I would say firstly get it checked by a vet. Then you need a very good physio - be prepared for a lot of rehab work!!!

If you're anywhere near Lincoln, my equine physio will be doing a demo at our yard with my horse as the demo horse. Apparently he will be an "interesting" demo horse!

[rj]

My friend bought an ex-racer who had previously broken a hip, but she was turned away for a couple of years first then had a foal, then put back in work.
When friend got her she went up through the dressage & riding horse shows & did very well for many years & is now I believe doing so for someone else.

[horse2008]

Hi thanks for your info everyone. I hoep there is somethign I can do to help her she really is a sweet little thing but i think she might have broken her pelvis int he past - i have someone comign to look at her on thursday!

[Sue Palmer]

To find a physiotherapist who has completed all their training (it takes 7 years to qualify as a Chartered Physiotherapist working with animals), take a look at www.acpat.org.

Sue

[lizzypeg]

sue that link wont work for me?

[Persianhorse]

The horse needs a total box rest for some good amount of time at least 6 to 8 weeks , if pelvis is broken.

[jennyb]

Agreed PH, but only if this injury OP is talking about is fresh. If it's been broken, and then healed, box rest won't really do much good.

My horse had eight weeks box rest when he did his injury. OP, I presumed you suspected an old injury, but of course if you think it's recent then you should restrict movement immediately.

[gem]

Holly bear fractured her pelvis when she was 6 weeks old jumping out the back of a trailer - she had to be box rested for 3 months from what the owner told me and always stood with one side dropped.

However she went on to event at intermediate level and was a lovely mare - she obviously had a weakness and due to this was strong unless worked correctly, I had the physio out every three months to keep her happy and balanced.

[horse2008]

Many thanks everyone - it has not happened while we have had her ( for 1.5weeks) we presume she had a fall when out racing at some point... so I guess if she broke it and then it has healed maybe that is why she looks odd behind. She kind of brings her outside hind leg out and then backk in the centre is that makes sense? Also she is incredibly stiff. When i saw here and they got on her she humped a lot and then they walked and trotted and cantered her - we noticed a slight irregualrity in that hind but nothing as bad as it is now.... very frustrating!

[Sue Palmer]

Hi Lizzypeg,

Don't know why the link won't work. Try googling the 'Association of Charterered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy', see if that helps?

Sue xxx