Advice & Jingles desperately needed - our sweet handsome fellow has broken his leg...

[poneez]

Our special lad Falco, "Flight Of A Falcon", fractured his leg Friday afternoon in a horrific accident after falling from the phantom at the collection facility. He somehow had his leg caught on the phantom, and fractured above the elbow. A clean, otherwise uncomplicated break in terms of any fragments or damage to the surrounding area, but severe enough that the two pieces were significantly displaced.

We opted for surgery - guarded prognosis, but our vets and the surgeons all felt that it was indeed worth a go, and I felt that I owed him the chance. Tough fellow that he is, he hobbled along to surgery as asked - such a true gentleman my sweet lad is. Unfortunately, the initial plan of using pins within the bone proved simply impossible, and they opted for plates. Then, due to the location and shape of the fracture, they were only able to use one plate. Only two screws were able to be placed on the bottom of the fracture.

We stayed with him at Guelph into the wee hours of the morning while they completed the 7 hour surgery, and finally headed home as my ever patient two year old deserves to have some semblance of normalcy to his day by at least waking up in his own bed, poor guy. I'm sitting here at home with my heart racing waiting for news of his post-op recovery as they give him a few hours to come out of sedation & be righted on the tilt table.

This horse is so absolutely dear to me - the most exquisite horse I could ever hope to own, with such a purely kind temperament, and personality in spades. He's been the relaible, quiet one for the young ladies next door to groom and fuss over - my retired old fire-breathers simply don't fit the bill - and has without fail given me the feeling that he would walk through hell for me if I asked. I will always owe Falco more than I could ever hope to repay, and want to give him every possible chance, balancing it with needing to be able, if the time arises in the days to come, to let him go. I've been lucky enough to own him for almost 5 years now, and have in my heart hoped to right the wrongs done to him in his previous career - making right for all the times they had him grind out his keep on that huge, horrifically fractured fetlock. I've been so pained by not having come across him sooner, not having been able to give him a fabulous career as a hunter, being mooned over & spoiled. I've wanted to give him so many more happy years than I've been able......

We'll see whether he needs to be suspended in a sling, how he is when he's upright... He was so very careful with himself prior to surgery with minimal sedation left in his system - showing me he was irritated by looking to the leg, looking to me, shaking his head 'til I gave him a rub, but no silliness or moving about with agitation. He's a tough, tough fellow with so much heart, and my greatest hope at the moment is that he just stays off of it as much as he possibly can, keeps calm, gives it a chance to heal.

Any advice as to any treatments, supplements, ANYTHING to have that fracture heal with any more speed would be wonderful, and forever appreciated, or to keep him quiet. It's so imperative - especially since it's being held with two screws in the one side of the single plate. Anything to be avoided would be welcome information as well.

Jingles for my lovely lad of course eternally appreciated.

Erin

[classicsporthorses]

Hi Erin, I am so sorry to hear about the accident on your boy.

I have a 14 year old stallion who broke his leg at 7 weeks old-much worse than your boys. LeFeu has many screws and plates in his leg-front right. I did not own him at the time, he was given to me about 4 years ago.

His owner, the only other one he's known, had him put back together at Cornell. I don't know if He was casted etc. He has told us that shortly after his surgery etc., his dam, with LeFeu at her side, went through her Keuring and was awarded Keur status.

Growing up LeFeu, in the winter, would routinely jump out of his paddock into snow banks and his owner would have to dig him out. It was recommened that he never been ridden, b/c he has some nerve damage and he has a slight drag on that front right. When you watch him move you would never know he had his "bionic" leg.

He is crooked now, b/c of the compensation but he still breeds, phantom and live cover. I give him some pain meds before breeding. We are going to freeze some of his semen simply b/c his ability to cover mares may be shortened b/c of the leg.

He is a happy, healthy well adjusted boy-and 17 hands to boot. Keep the faith, time will heal this fracture.

[Trevelyan]

Oh this is one of my worries on my list for my boys. I'm so sorry it happen to you boy. Jingles coming from PA.

[foxhavenfarm]

Sending HUGE JINGLES!!! Your boy is gorgeous and I hope he pulls through this ok. Be prepared for a very long recovery. <Hugs>

[VirginiaBred]

Prayers from Virginia to you and your lovely stallion.

[poneez]

Not long after I posted, the surgeons called...

They righted him, he put an tiny bit of weight on it as he fumbled to stand, and it re-fractured.

They immediately put him back under and called.

I asked them to put him down.

I'm just so terribly empty...

I had the lead surgeon sit with him, and stroke his muzzle in that soft, pink space he always loves having patted, and talk to him while he went, as I would have.

I just can't fathom never holding his head in my arms again - that silly, frizzy "pony-fro" forelock running amok atop his otherwise divinely elegant face, with the deepest doe eyes.

I have been truly blessed to have spent time with such a special, one in a million gentleman. This horse made my dreams come true.

*Rest in peace, Faloonies. I miss you.

[Neighland]

I'm so sorry to hear about your beautiful boy! :no::no::no::no::no:

[hitchinmygetalong]

Oh my, I had just posted a support post. How tragic. How very tragic.

You did what you could. It was not meant to be.

{{{{{hugs}}}}}

Many condolences for your loss.

[Thomas_1]

What a tragedy.

[talloaks]

I am so sorry!! At least if he had to go, he didn't have to suffer long. God Speed beautiful one.

[Daydream Believer]

I'm so sorry for your tragic loss. Hugs to you.

[Norsire]

So sorry!!! :cry:

[Annetta]

I am so very sorry!

[llsc]

I'm so sorry.

[Sugarbrook]

What a freak accident and what a horrible ending. I cried when I read your last post. I am so very sorry for you and your boy!!!!

[quicksilverponies]

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Prayers and well wishes for peace in your heart and wonderful memories of your beautiful boy.

[Tackpud]

I am so sorry for your loss. {{{{Hugs}}}}

[Trevelyan]

So very sorry:cry:

[CathyKb]

I am soo sorry!!!!:cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry:

[Astraled]

Your poor good boy. I'm so sorry :cry:

[Oakstable]

How awful. I am so so sorry.

The vets have to be devastated too.

[Platinum Equestrian]

I'm so sorry you lost him... you did all you could and it sounds like he went with dignity. Hugs to you.

[AppJumpr08]

Oh I'm so very sorry :(
He was lucky to have such a responsible and caring owner...

Huge hugs to you.. and know that you did the right thing... no matter how hard it was to say those words...

[Fairview Horse Center]

That is so very sad. I am glad you have your wonderful memories.

[STF]

'Im very sorry!!!! :(

[Sassenach]

I am so sorry :cry: RIP Falco

[Norcrest]

I am so sorry

[Home Again Farm]

I am so very, very sorry. :sadsmile:

[Dressage-ryder]

I am so sorry for your loss..

[camohn]

Oh my gosh. That is horrible. So sorry... we can identify with the freak accident scenario. Jingles that the mares he bred this year are at least in foal for you to carry on!!

[baywithchrome2]

Erin - I am so sorry for your loss. :sadsmile: Hugs and deepest condolences. Godspeed Falcon. Donna

[cyriz's mom]

I''m so sorry, this is just so tragic.

I hope that the memories you have of your special boy will comfort you at least a little and that you will find joy looking in the eyes of his foals next spring. He will live on in them.

Hugs!

[copper bay farm]

What a terrible accident. :( Godspeed to your special boy and {{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}} to you.

[pintopiaffe]

oh, thoughts, prayers and hugs to you.

I did not expect this outcome when I opened the thread.

I am so very, very sorry. It always hurts deeply to loose one, but to loose one in the prime of life, with much future left is that much more shocking and ripping.

I'm so sorry.

[Bugs-n-Frodo]

I am so deeply sorry for your tragic loss. :cry: RIP Falco. :cry: Big hugs to you, I am so very very sorry.

[spacely]

I am so sorry. My condolences.:cry:

[2Dogs]

I am very sorry. Very sorry! Hugs to you

[mairzeadoats]

Godspeed Falco.

I'm so, so sorry for your loss. :cry:

[Esprit]

Erin, I just read this and was ready to post my jingles and support, then read further on :no: :cry:

I'm so, so, very sorry. I know you must be absolutely devastated.

May you find solace in the foals coming next spring that will be sure to carry on his legacy. He was so lucky to have found you, he couldn't help but know he was adored and loved.

Huge warm hugs, and I'm so close by if you need me.

Shannon

[TouchstoneAcres]

I'm so sorry. At least you found out right away that it couldn't be fixed and he didn't hurt for long.

[clearound]

As I scrolled down, you last posting was not what I was hoping for. I am so sorry for your loss.

[hackinaround]

Im so sorry to hear this. Prayers and hugs.

[Fenway]

Oh no! I'm so sorry. I was just admiring your gorgeous boy the other day. How terrible. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. :cry:

[dressagetraks]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[HSGF]

I am so sorry.........:(

[Rubs Not Pats]

((((HUGS))))) I am very sorry for your loss.

[Draygonfyne]

Oh Erin..my heart is just breaking for you........I'm so sorry.

[jetsmom]

I'm so sorry. He was gorgeous. You did the right thing.

[genevieveg17]

He was such a beautiful stallion. I am so sorry.
Hugs to you.

Genevieve

[horsea]

It sounds like he was as beautiful on the inside as he was on the outside. I am so very sorry!!!

[mbj]

Oh this is so very sad. I am so sorry for your loss. Sounds like you always did what was best for him.

[arizona101]

So Sorry ! How horrible for you !

[Faiths CremelloWB]

Oh and I am so sorry. After I read your original post it brought back memories of what happen to my stallion, Inferno, just over a year ago. I too opted for the surgery and after a few months and a few more surgeries he ended up being euthanized as it was not healing. I went through the whole roller coaster here on the board and everyone was so encouraging and kind in so many ways. This is a great place for support and kind words. My guy was also at Guelph. I am so very sorry this had to happen to you and your boy.

I hope Inferno has met him on the other side and they are chasing gorgeous mares and fillies together in endless green, grassy fields.

{{{HUGS}}}

[carosello]

Im so so sorry :(

[fish]

So sorry. You write about him so movingly. It's a great tribute to him and to your loss.

[Riggs]

I am so very sorry. RIP.

[risingstarfarm]

You have my most sincere condolences.

[Sanely Eccentric]

I'm so very sorry.

[MagicRoseFarm]

very sorry for your loss.

[Lori]

I am so sorry.
What a beatiful boy.
I am at a loss for words.....

[jodyb]

What a tragedy, I'm so very sorry.

[Pippin]

I hope you will have a few of his little ones running around you soon ..

P~

[Dutch]

I am so sorry for your loss. I was looking at your boy's very impressive pedigree - what a shame to lose him so early.

[Beethoven]

So sorry for your loss! He was beautiful!:cry::cry::(:cry::cry:

[poneez]

I'm taking comfort in all of your kind words, and sincerely thank you for taking the time to help me cope in the wake of the tragic loss of my incomparable boy Falco.

We're making arrangements to have our sweetest lad brought home to rest, as I couldn't bear the thought of him never coming home.

I'll be eternally greatful that his brave, patient demeanour yesterday allowed me to feel comfortable with attempting the surgery - I'm not sure that I would ever find peace of mind if I hadn't tried for him. That being said, I'm of course also so greatful that our lovely fellow has gone quickly, without sufferring through having a drastically different quality of life.

Again, my deepest thanks for your kindness at such a raw, painful time.

[blackstallion]

I'm also sorry for the loss of your special one. Things happen so suddenly and then they are gone, reminding us of how fragile they really are. Hugs to you and his friends who will miss him.

[Riggs]

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss.

I told my friend Fred, who asked me to pass on her sincere sympathies to you. She is so very, very sorry and wanted to make sure you knew that she wanted her very sincere sympathies pass along to you. (Her computer crashed about a week ago and she cannot post herself).

[special]

My prayers go out to you. I know how devastating this is for you!
I hope his memory will be cherished as you watch his offspring turn into wonderful horses !!!

[jilltx]

I just checked in and saw this and wanted to pass along my most sincere condolences for your loss. What a tragedy. :cry:

Godspeed beautiful Falcon!

[Tasker]

I just had a moment to check in and saw this...

Erin, I am so so so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you and your family during this rough time. :( :cry:

[SpruceLane]

Oh Poneez, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. How terrible for everyone. Sending hugs your way. I actually sent a couple clients your way this season when they they were looking for a stallion with a bit more refinement that ours.

Chin up and remember all the happy times you guys shared.

[sporthorsefilly]

So sorry to hear of the loss of your lovely stallion. So tragic. You did the right thing by trying to save him, take comfort in knowing you made the correct decisions and that he didn't suffer.

There will be peace and acceptance in returning him home.

I sincerely hope that one of his offspring, will return his spirit to you.

[classicsporthorses]

I too am so sorry for your loss.

[ljshorses]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I too hope seeing his beautiful offspring will ease your heartache.

[DownYonder]

Oh, how sad! I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you have some wonderful babies to remember him by!

[Ainsley]

Oh Erin, I am so sorry!

I only just checked in here at COTH and read your post. I had tears running down my cheeks before I had even finished. :(

Falco was such a lovely boy and you have lost him way too early.

Take care and know that others are thinking of you.

Jennifer

[Dawn J-L]

I am so sory for your loss. What a tragedy to lose such a wonderful horse. My deepest condolences.

[kookicat]

I'm so, so sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was a wonderful boy. My heart aches for you. :cry:

Sometimes the best ones are with us the shortest time.

[apprider]

My most sincere condolences. Godspeed, Falco.

[Kimberlee]

So sorry for your loss. :(:(:(:(

[dbaygirl]

Erin,

Sincerest condolences on the loss of your BEAUTIFUL stallion. I could not believe this happened to him as I have admired him on your site before I saw your post. I love his type. I hope that you might have a stallion prospect in one of his offspring?

I am so sorry for your loss. It's true. They are powerful creatures and yet so fragile. The time we spend with them is a treasure and it sounds like he was very special.

Take care,
Jan

[Portia]

I'm so sorry for your loss. How terribly sad.

[M.K.Smith]

My condolences :cry: He was quite the handsome boy. <<hugs>>

[BBowen]

It is so hard to read about your horse because I know the pain of losing a very special horse. My prayers are with you. May your sweet boy RIP.

[Summit Springs Farm]

So sorry for your loss, I remember when you posted new pictures of him, I kept his picture on my computer for the longest time, he was so beautiful, just the image of a perfect hunter, what every little girls dreams of, that was your horse. hugs to you and your family.

[showjumpers66]

I am so very, very sorry!

[ponypile!]

Oh Poneez! I am so very sorry:( Your heart must be broken, I know how proud of him you were.
I wish I had of stuck with my breeding plans :no:

[Quinn]

Please accept my sincere, heartfelt condolences.

http://community.webshots.com/user/ballyduff

[grayfox]

I'm so very sorry for your loss.