Horse owners often ask, “What treatment are suitable for a fractured horse? “. Many vets would go for a surgery if your horse has a fracture.

However, surgical treatment of major leg fractures is still very difficult. There are still a large number of fractures that cannot be easily repaired.

Horse fractures is a major problem for horse owners especially if you just got a new horse.

This article answers the questions of many horse owners, “Will my horse recover from a fracture?” and “How long does it take for a fractured bone to heal?”

Can a horse recover from a fracture?

When your veterinarian tells you that your horse has a fracture, you may be in a state of panic.

While fractures are most common in racehorses, the truth is that any horse can break a bone in its leg.

But thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, some horses may be able to recover and even return to work. Here are some of the steps taken during the rehabilitation process.

First, you need to diagnose the exact type of fracture. There are different types of fractures, including simple ones, which occur in a single plane.

A horse’s leg fracture can be a spiral fracture or a short line that crosses the center of the bone. Whatever type of fracture your horse has, it is painful enough that the horse can’t put weight on it.

The key to successfully treating a fracture is to act quickly and get it treated as soon as possible.

Broken bones may require surgery. Large bones may need pins, screws, or plates to stabilize them. Some horses may require support shoes or casts to keep their joints from moving.

Surgical procedures are expensive, and some horses never return to full athletic function. Open fractures can be very difficult to treat and can even lead to infection.

But if you’re prepared to risk your horse’s life and your wallet, consider pet insurance. Many of the most common conditions covered under pet insurance policies are fractures, and you could be surprised by how quickly your horse recovers.

Best treatment for a fractured horse

The best treatment for a fractured horse will depend on its location and the degree of damage. Fractures in the head and nasal bones may heal on their own, while more complicated fractures may require surgical repair under general anesthesia.

In some cases, a fractured bone may require internal fixation and/or a casting to stabilize it. After fracture repair, the horse will likely need to be confined for 12 to 16 weeks.

This should be planned accordingly, as it is not always possible to provide comfort while the animal is resting.

Even though a broken leg in a horse is painful and often requires surgery, modern veterinary medicine has made many fractures treatable and rehabilitable.

In fact, some horses can even recover from a fracture and get to work after rehab. Regardless of the severity of the injury, the best treatment for a fractured horse is a consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible after an accident.

The horse should remain calm until the veterinarian arrives. Calmness will also help the horse recover from its injury.

Fractures in the long bones are extremely rare and require special care. The treatment for such a fracture is critical. The fracture should be immobilized and stabilized as soon as possible.

However, the process of fracture repair is not without risks. There is a higher risk of infection, and an open fracture may result in a worse prognosis and higher costs. The risks of surgery are higher than for a closed fracture, so it is best to let the veterinarian handle the situation.

How long do horse bones take to heal?

Broken horse bones can take several weeks or months to heal. Small fractures often heal on their own, and can even be treated conservatively.

Stable rest is recommended for six to eight weeks. Your horse should not lie down for two to three weeks to minimize fracture fragment displacement. Larger fractures should be repaired with internal fixation.

Most horses can return to sports and athletic function after these treatments. While there are many factors that affect how long it takes for your horse’s bones to heal, here are some of the most common factors that determine the treatment process.

Fractures are often hard to detect on x-ray, but nuclear scintigraphy can help. This test can identify weak bone lines before they fracture. Early detection is essential to prevent further damage.

If you suspect a fracture, it’s best to see a veterinarian. A veterinarian can diagnose a fracture by checking the blood, bone fluid, and x-rays, which will help your horse recover faster.

A broken leg can be debilitating for a horse. The weight can lead to crippling conditions such as laminitis. Laminitis causes the hoof to separate from the leg bone.

While a sling can relieve some of the weight on the legs, it can’t prevent laminitis. If your horse can’t move, consider putting a sling under the abdomen to relieve the strain on the legs.