It was July 2011. I unloaded "Zahara" from the trailer for a trail ride with friends, and she was lame! After examination, I could find no reason for the mild lameness so I wrapped the foot and turned her back out.

Zahara is a pinto, draft warmblood mare and at that time was about 75 pounds overweight with a slightly cresty neck. She was in regular work and was by most standards, relatively fit. I was sure this was a temporary set-back but I couldn't have been more wrong.

Two days later, she stood frozen, unable to move, lame in all four legs. Her right hind leg was swollen and painful. She had a fever, tested positive for a tick borne disease and was started on iv therapy. X-rays of her feet showed mild rotation only in her right front foot. She was started on all the standard treatments for laminitis, such as ice foot baths, nonsteroidals, foot support, etc.

Ten days later, her x-rays revealed more rotation in both front feet, worse in the right front. Two weeks later more x-rays showed that she had rotated completely in her right front foot and now the coffin bone was visible.

September and October were challenging. She was now laying down a lot and was developing decubital ulcers. I recalled a surgical procedure that could be used to "salvage" horses and it was our last resort. The procedure required that I sever the deep digital flexor tendons in both front legs.

In November of 2011, using ultrasound guidance, I performed the procedure on a horse that I delivered five years prior. I will never forget the sound of the flexor tendon releasing. In the days to come, it became apparent that the surgery had given her a huge amount of pain relief and had saved her life. X-rays taken two months post-surgery showed that the coffin bones had realigned within the hoof capsules which signified success!

In May of 2012, xrays showed total realignment of the coffin bone within the new hoof capsule. So within a year of the initial event, Zahara was back in work. In December 2012 she was hunting in the first field!

My purpose for writing this story is to spread the word that the deep digital flexor tenectomy surgery can offer hope when it seems that there is none.

Dr. Tania Woerner owns and operates Tally Oaks Veterinary Service. We have digital xray and perform the deep digital flexor tenectomy at a reasonable price. We also offer small animal services at our clinic or at your home. For more information, visit our website www.tallyoaksvet.com or email Dr. Woerner at DrTaniaWoerner@gmailcom.