I was wondering if anyone had any info on the injury of le samurai. I didn’t understand that they had put him down so “fast” and Barbaro, whose injury was absolutely horrific, they worked with for MONTHS before putting him down. Would love to see xrays of some injury equivalent to Le Samurai’s and why the decision was made to put him down. Does anyone have any info?
Sparky’s injury and death is very sad, as was Barbaro, and would love to know what kind of treatments or not there are out there for this kind of injury, versus Barbaro’s injury that included shattered bones, was worked with for so long, before other injuries led to his death.
THANKS
“Loss of supporting ligaments” some assume meant “complete rupture of the suspensory ligaments, the superficial flexor tendon, and the deep flexor”. Adams “Lameness in Horses” describes a complete rupture of the suspensory alone as a particularly catastrophic injury, with a really difficult recovery, not recommended unless the animal has a great value as a breeding animal, or great sentimental value. Complications include a disruption of blood flow to the injured foot, and laminitis in the supporting limb. It is definately not a soft tissue injury that is easily repaired.
Some soft tissue injuries can be more catastrophic than broken limbs. There’s a big, big difference between having a catastophic injury to a front leg vs. a hind leg. Dean Richardson (Barbaro’s vet) said that many times. The front legs are the major weight bearers, thus the increased risk of laminitis on the opposite limb. Which is also what was happening with Sparky. Bone has incredible ability to heal, and heal even stronger than the original bone (as evidenced by Barbaro - we all know it wasn’t the break that was causing the problem). Catastrophic soft tissue injuries do not have nearly as good an outcome. It’s like a rubber band snapping apart. How do you put the ends back together? Especially when the ends will be under constant tension?
Barbaro was offered a 50/50 chance, the mega-wealthy Jacksons were willing to take that chance. The owners of “Sparky” may not have been given those good of odds - who knows it was between them and their vet. Le Samuri’s owners may not have had the finances to have the horse hospitalized for months and have multiple surgical procedures. They apparently opted for what they felt was best for the horse.
Also with Tryon under FEI investigation they may not want to release more details until that is concluded.
Old cold bows do not usually bother horses no longer involved in racing. Horses often jump on them for years with no ill effect.