Post Pastern Arthrodesis

Tomorrow marks JB two weeks Post Pastern Arthrodesis surgery. Overall, JB is doing well. He’s done with his Bute 7-10 day post op period and doesn’t seem to be too uncomfortable with out it. The cast is bugging him some , but no more than we expected. JB has figured out how to hold his leg to relieve the pressure on the front of his cannon bone and assuming he doesn’t develop cast cores, we are letting him be. He seems to know how to take care of himself. He lays down a lot and rests, which is good. Ofcourse, he’s developed hock sores as a result of the laying down. Wrapping them doesn’t work because of the location so I just try to keep medication on them. His front left leg is in a standing wrap. I unwrap once a day and rubbed down with Arnica gel , then rewrapped. Hopefully the wraps will help stave off any risk of laminitis. His appetite has been very good this entire time, in fact , it’s been a bit insatiable. Ofcourse, he has gotten a bit spoiled with the buckets of green grass that I am picking for him daily. The green grass seems to help keep him occupied, it’s loaded with good nutrition, it’s good for his gut, and I think it helps him mentally as well. On the down side, I believe I have created a bit of a monster. He gets rather demanding of his fresh grass!

Ok – promise not to laugh???? JB also gets a weekly appointment with a cranio sacral therapist to help alleviate inflammation and pain, and hopefully quicken the healing process. Thus far, JB’s had two sessions; I can’t honestly tell you if it’s helping or not… but it certainly can’t hurt. The craniosacral therapist herself comes highly recommended from trusted sources… so who am I to judge??? if it helps expedite the healing…..all the better.

JB also gets Resperine as a sedative. It seems to help take the edge off. I’d prefer to give it only on an as needed basis but, unfortunately, this drug has to build in his system to be effective. He gets 5 mg every other day. I wasn’t thrilled about keeping him mildly sedated but without, JB gets a bit more rambunctious in his stall than I am comfortable with:)

….bucking and jumping around in your stall just can’t be tolerated right now. Sorry kiddo…….There will be time for that later…

Keeping him medicated is the lesser of two evils…

So, that’s the status of things. Keep your fingers and toes crossed that the days go by quickly and he continues to do well.