Horses with bone infections that are not healed conventionally do have options.
In November 2011, Annie, a 3-year-old thoroughbred filly, stepped on a roofing nail that penetrated her foot, through the frog and into the navicular bursa. Five weeks in hospital and three surgeries later, I am called on December 16 by her owner. During the third surgery, while they were debriding infection off of the bones and tendons in her foot they discovered the infection was in her bones. They called the owner and asked permission to put her down. There was "nothing more they could do". The owner refused and called me.
Annie arrived two days later by ambulance. Within a week we had eradicated the infection using infra-red therapy (Revita-Vet) and Young Living essential oils orally and topically.
Annie arrived non-weight bearing. She was good to herself in that she would lie down often to rest the weight bearing leg. Now five months later she is permitted in a small “play pen” outside of her stall, is hand walking 20 minutes twice a day, and hand grazing 30 minutes twice a day. She receives either magnetic therapy or infrared therapy followed by Young Living essential oils twice a day…down from four times a day when she first arrived. At times you cannot notice that she is lame. Her continued progress is encouraging and I believe she will make a full recovery.
Her treatment regimen has changed five times so far according to what her body and emotional support needs are at the time. We feel it is crucial to not only address the injury but emotional support must also be given. We do this in the form of essential oils, a peaceful/quiet environment, equine companions and positive reinforcement.
There is damage to the foot which now will take time to regenerate and I believe it will with continued rehab. It is important for doctors, and owners to know there are options out there. “Bone Infection” does not have to be a death sentence.
This beautiful young horse is recovering. Her future is huge at just four years old.
If anyone would like more information on this “case study” we would be happy to oblige. Please contact Pam Fisher at pam@ruffianstables.com or call 970-379-6676.