With these xrays what would you do?
 

I am just looking to get advice from other horsemen as to what they would do with a horse with these xrays. Yes I have been to a vet and its a sesmoid fracture that is just not healing. This is the orginal xray, i didnt ask for the subsequent ones. The vet is recommending euthanasia, due to the quality of life for the mare. Just looking for feedback, not hate mail..
















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Pictures aren't working. How lame is the horse?

She is very lame... after stall rest for nearly 6 months appeared to get a little better but is so lame like being on 3 legs..

The x ray isn't showing.

If the vet recommends euthanasia, that is probably what should be done.

I might get a second opinion with a specialist, hospital, or university. I assume that nerving is not an option, and that there are no treatment options to promote healing?

hopefully these attachments work
 

i attached the xrays.. see if this worksAttachment 79461

Attachment 79462

I see the bone chip at the front of the fetlock. Is this the only problem, or is there still a definite fracture on the proximal sesamoid itself? And if so, can you circle it for the radiographically-challenged among us?

We the leg immobilized -- as in a cast? Is the broken off piece of bone too big to remove? It appears too small to reattach with a screw. What I have seen of fractured sesamoids, if they are not able to be surgically repaired when they first happen, they only get better if they can be immobilized with the small fragment resting very closely to the bigger bone. Even then, they often do not reattach.

If the fragment cannot be removed, I see no way this horse would ever become sound enough to not have the other front leg break down. I would also recommend euthanasia if that is not a possibility.

I know a lot of people think with their hearts and not their heads, but ultimately the value of the horse and the cost of doing extraordinary things to save a horse that will have a very poor quality of life need to all be considered.

It appears that the apex of the bone is fractured, and seperated from the bone? If so, that is an easier surgery than if it was a basilar fracture. Is surgery not an option? I may be reading the X-ray wrong as I am not a vet.

I agree with Cherie. The fracture is not large but it is there. Depending on the advice you have gotten so far there are many things one can do re shoeing, immobilizing etc.
If you have a vet that knows their stuff and has advised you to euthanize, it is likely the best advice.
If you have not seen an equine lameness specialist then I wouldnt hesitate to get a second opinion, however at best it will take months and months to heal and she may never be useable again.