A second horse has died at Santa Anita Park since the beginning of the year

[in2herbs]

5. The risk of laminitis or founder is great when a leg is broken because the horse has to be

"contained" i.e., not allowed to run, trot, play during the weeks-long recuperation period. A quick understanding: A horse with an active navicular, laminitis, or founder condition (with or without a broken leg) will rarely move. Because it will rarely move it is likely that swelling in the legs, especially the hind legs, will occur due to a build-up of toxins and poor circulation (from not moving.) This build up of toxins due to poor circulation causes fever and adversely affects the immune system. The horse reaches a point of not eating or drinking due to extreme pain. Likely, in addition to the issues involving the broken leg the horse will colic. The horse cannot lay down because it can't get up with a broken leg (or navicular, etc.)

Surgery may be able to repair a simple break but post-op is very risky for the reasons above-listed. Taking care of a horse with a broken leg is very labor-intensive for many months. Most owners do not have the knowledge, time or $$ to do what is required.

Despite the best vet care and latest technology the Derby horse Barboro died from issues related to his broken leg.

Making a decision to put your horse down if it suffers a broken leg is one of the most painful decisions an owner can make but it is one of the most loving because it keeps the horse from suffering a slow painful death.

Before I have any sympathy for the owner of a race horse whose horse has broken its leg I want to determine if the horse was being shod properly. Were the toes on this horse too long? Many in horse racing circles still believe that long toes on race horses help it to "grab the ground" and therefore increase its stride, speed and ability to win. However, you will NEVER encounter a horse with long toes that doesn't also have crushed or underrun heels, making every stride painful.

Caveat: I wouldn't be surprised that some owners in the racing circuit do choose to euthanize their horse for $$$ reasons if they are severely injured and at those times I am relieved that the horse no longer will suffer under the owner's neglect.