After prompting again last night I finally got some less than comprehensive rehab advice. Thankfully, the vet is happy for them to live in the barn together. That will be nice for both of them and easy for me. Radar can go out during the day and in with Ace at night. That and 'some walking in hand' we're about all the advice I got.
So I have googled and managed to find the rehab instructions from the vets who pioneered the operation. Much better. Walk in hand one hour a day from day one. Ride at six weeks unless the horse was particularly atrophied. And obviously a gradual increase in work intensity and in freedom to move around on his own during the six weeks.
Six weeks will go by in a flash, and I will be riding by the middle of October. What fantastic news that is. I will be writing notes for his nursing team soon, and also a letter to the surgeon saying this is a one-time only exercise. I will let him know that if he is uncertain whether to do one more, or one less, then he should err on the side of one too many rather than take any risk of one too few.
So close now, only three days til we deliver him.
C
I would think careful post op care would be an essential. Why they are so lacking in specific detail leaves me at a loss. My vets usually give me copious information.
ReplyDeleteJust maybe, the course of the operation will have some impact on the specifics? Could it be where the ligaments are cut or something?
Regardless, the whole thing is pretty exciting. All I've read about the surgery suggests a really high success rate. It's going to be very interesting following Ace's progress and recovery. I have a really good feeling about it all.
The hand walking might be a bit tricky as Ace starts to feel better and better. Perhaps in the few days before the surgery you could do some extra ground work/leasing exercises with him to firmly establish some rules and manners. It might come in handy later on.
It's just my vet I think Jean. I had the exact same problem with Jazz's tieback.
ReplyDeleteThe beauty of him living in the barn is that he is never so confined that he will explode when I take him for a walk.
The bigger issue is whether he can walk hills or if we have to traipse round and round in circles on the arena for an hour. That would kill my Achilles tendons :-(
C
Ride Radar at a walk and pony Ace. That's what we do for long rehab walks :)
ReplyDeleteIt wouldn't be safe on our single track roads with blind bends Styric :-(
ReplyDeleteIt's legwork or nothing I'm afraid.
C
But could you at least ride around your own property? That way, if Ace can do the hills, Radar can help. I'm sure he would be very proud to assist.
DeleteNo way, Jean. Most of my field is a slope of at least 20%
DeleteIn any case, Ace doesn't hack well in company and Radar marches at top speed. They wouldn't make good ride one lead one prospects in any environment.
C