Life Saving Tenotomy Surgery for Rescue Horse
My name is Amber. Ghost has been my heart horse since April of 2010, when he was saved from the slaughter pipeline. Not even 3 years old, he only weighed 725 pounds and was quite sick. His medical ailments healed rather quickly and his mental rehabilitation began. It was quite evident that he suffered from pretty extreme PTSD. I spent months earning his trust and as our friendship blossomed, so did he. He became a stunningly beautiful horse, inside and out. Over the years, Ghost has touched thousands of people, with his story being turned into several award-winning short films as a message of hope. He is my best friend and the namesake for my rescue, Medicine Hat Rescue Ranch.
In April of 2018, Ghost foundered 10°/11° in both front feet. We made feed changes to better support his insulin resistance, had expert veterinary and farrier care, and were able to eventually achieve soundness within about a year.
In June of 2020, Ghost foundered again at 26° and 21°. 13 months later, we are still battling his chronic/acute laminitis. His IR has been managed with feed and his labs come back only slightly elevated for insulin. Negative PPID or Cushings. I have been monitoring his rotation via xrays with my vet, and have been working dilligently with my farrier. At one point we were able to get him aligned to 14° and 19° (Feb, 2021)
Sensing further discomfort, I had xrays done again 7/15/21. He is currently 27° rotated on both fronts. While the bone is not penetrating the sole, he has lost 2/3 sole depth (he now has about 1cm in both), rotated 80% more, and has 100% more palmar angle. My vet's recommendation the same day was more aggressive heel trim. If that didn't work; deep digital flexor tenotomy as a last ditch effort since we have been unable to stabilize his rotation. (For reference, we have tried: wedges, leather pads, freedom shoes, different pours, soft rides, cloud boots, clogs, you name it over the last year.)
My farrier was out on 7/20/21. He trimmed an additional 1cm of heel, got great breakover, and reapplied special shoes with impression material to support the frogs/soles. Unfortunately, Ghost has made no improvement.
I consulted with a surgeon from Gilbert Equine regarding Ghost's condition. He informed me quite simply that we have 2 options: Put him down, or attempt the surgery. Although Ghost's case is quite severe, the surgeon believes Ghost is a candidate to at least try. The surgery is performed standing, under local anesthesia, in concert with my farrier. The surgeon is cautiously optimistic. Some horses do remarkably well, while others gain no benefit. It's unknown why some horses respond better than others.
If the tenotomy is successful, Ghost will feel relief almost immediately, being given a better quality of life. We will know within a week or two post-surgery if it worked. If the tenotomy is unsuccessful, Ghost will be humanely euthanized. Should that be the result, I will eventually find peace knowing that every possible effort was made to spare/save his life.
I have been able to sustain a high level of care for the past year (spending over $10,000 trying to find him comfort with vet/farrier/xrays/pain relief). Friends, I ask for your help with Ghost one final time. His surgery is scheduled for Aug 4.
Cost breakdown:
$1,600 - $1,800: tenotomy, performed by board certified surgeon
*$1,200 - $1,400: aftercare treatment (remainder will be applied towards euthanasia if surgery is unsuccessful)
*$1,000: farrier services, during and post-surgery (remainder will be applied towards euthanasia if surgery is unsuccessful)
*This is a low figure and may change once final estimates are received.
Emotional support and prayers requested and welcomed. This could literally be our saving grace, or the end of our journey. You are deeply appreciated.