Posted by Cynthia on August 14, 2003 at 01:24:04:
In Reply to: What is a "sinker" or a sunk foot? posted by Cynthia on August 13, 2003 at 23:16:23:
: Today I just got the devistating news that my horse is afflicted by a condition referred by my vet as a "sinker". Is this something that could progess over time, meaning could symptoms have appeared years ago?We did lateral x-rays of both front feet, and one is effected moreso than the other. My vet called me and briefly told me what was going on and that he needed heart bars right away. I was offered no opportunity to ask any questions as to what the prognosis was, what to do (other than buteing instructions given at the time of x-rays). He informed me the x-rays could be picked up, which was odd because we had a discussion that they were his property and the only persons whom could view them were those whom he forwarded them to. I went and picked them up not knowing what a "sunk" foot was, under the impression that heart bars would solve his problem and he would fully recover. I still have a vague understanding of what the condition is. When viewing the x-ray I noticed that everything was out of order, I thought it was a poorly taken x-ray. Can that happen? The horse was not moving at the time, and if he did move could it have distorted the image so severly? If so what should I do? Am I entitled to have the vet come back out and take a new picture? I called a friend of mine who has many years experience with horses she called my vet and got answers as to what we were looking at and said he has a 50- 50 chance of recovering, however he might not ever be sound again. Upon further questioning of my farrier he advised me the chances were slimmer considering the amount of damage to the foot and past compromised issues with his feet. His prognosis was about 20% and he would suffer great pain in re-setting his shoes. Do heart bars cause as much pain and discomfort as he (my farrier) said it would? The vet also nerve blocked my horse before taking the x-rays and he was able to walk, not totally sound but he could walk. Is that a sign there is structural damage? Or if his foot is in fact sunk would he have been able to walk at all even with nerve blocks? Sorry for all the questions my horse is my life, he has been my best friend for 10 years, Please advise me on what I should do. Thank you very much for your time.
I just got a call from my friend, she had a x-ray technition look at the x-rays and she said they are good pictures. We all feel it is in Luckys best intrest that he is euthanized. So tomorrow tearfully I will do my beloved friend a favor and take away his pain. Thank you for any consideration.
Sincerely,
Cynthia