Coffin Bone Surgery - Anyone had it done?

Question

My 25 year old horse has gotten abscesses in one hoof off and on for 10 years which always responded well to medication. Last week, he got one that hasn't responded. The abscess erupted above the coronet, as usual, then 2 days later out the heel as well, and he was still lame, so I took him for Xrays.

The vet says he's got an infection in the coffin bone. On the Xray you could see a large chunk had eroded away. They're going to go in through the sole of the hoof, debride the coffin bone, and clear out all the infection and the affected bits.

Has anyone out there had this surgery done on their horse? How did it go? Was recovery prolonged or real painful? Was the horse able to work after he's recovered? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

No(sry idk what it is), but sad! Is your horsie ok?

Answer 2

If your vet feels he can help, then it's worth a shot. He sounds qualified to make that call, definitely.  I had a filly blow out her sole. It required extensive repair and she was screaming lame for a short while, but is 100% now. The techniques have changed immensely and vets can now do what used to be impossible. I am faced with a similar situation right now, only not a hoof. My best mare has T-Cell carcinoma. Originally we thought it was a pharyngeal cyst. She has had a couple thousand dollars worth of diagnostic procedures and we thought it was a done deal...a difficult surgery as it involves the carotids, jugular and all the delicate neck structures, but we were going to drain it first, then go in and get it out. When we went to drain it, only 20 ccs came out. This thing is the size of a football, so this was not good. A biopsy was done of the rest of the mass and the cancer was diagnosed. They can do surgery. BUT. It can't be entirely removed, so it will come back, she's likely to have serious complications and the vet said he frankly felt this would be torture for her. So she is being kept comfortable and is not going to have surgery, but will be put down when it's time.

Basically, you have to pick your battles. This is a big one, but if they can make it whole and the horse can cope with the healing, it is worth it. If not, then the best thing may be to say that enough is enough.

Answer 3

I would question putting a 25 year old horse under anesthesia...it's very possible he could break his leg in recovery.  Some vets will do this while the horse is standing. Anesthesia is a danger for any horse, but more so as they get older = brittle bones.  The surgery itself is pretty straightforward.  He should not be that painful afterward.  Usually the hole is smaller than a quarter.  You will just have to keep it very clean afterward until the sole fills in.

Answer 4

I haven't had a horse with this particular surgery and I'm sorry you're having to go through it! You said ANY information would be appreciated so here's my info:

I would really try and contact a natural hooftrimmer if you're not already dealing with one. I trim my own horses and know a lot about the structure of a hoof. If your horse is going to have this surgery he will need his hoof very healthy in order to recover. A natural trimmer will know how to treat the hoof for a maximum, most healthy recovery. I HIGHLY DON'T recommend you shoe him (if you are) as this will not help the hoof in anyway.  Also, since the horse will be non weight bearing on one foot you need to keep in mind that the other three hooves will need a trained professional to keep up with the added stress the other feet will be going through. Please find an experienced natural trimmer and see what they say and if they will help you through this process.

Good luck!