ligament injury

Question
10 y.o. QH walking on a longe line in not too deep sand..was asked to move up to a trot and immediately sat down on her tail. The rear ankle flopped up and down after that. Told by vet that the tendon was in 2 pieces and would heal with stall rest and supportive wrap. If this dx is correct, will this mare be able to return to western pleasure or is this out of the question? Sorry, don't know which tendon or location, (writing for a friend)?

Answer
there are 2 tendons and a ligament that support the fetlock. There has obviously been injury to them and Im gueesing probably both of them. Also, the suspensory ligament may have been damaged too. If you have not taken radiographs it is probably worthwhile because an injury to the suspensory is also frequently associated with fracture of the sesamoid bones too. Im certain that the diagnosis of a rupture of a tendon is correct, however, what is unclear is the extent of the injury, whether it includes both tendons and the suspensory and whether there could be associated fracture of the sesamoid or other bones. Knowing these factors will affect the prognosis. However, I will also tell you that if the fetlock was moving the way you describe, the injury was very severe and will be very unlikely to heal in a manner in which this horse can do the same level of exercise again. Furthermore, if the horse is not weight bearing, there is a very significant risk of laminitis in the opposite hind limb- much like the Barbaro thing. The leg must be immobilized below the hock and this would require a splint-m long term- or even a cast. These things are not easy to manage. i think a further investigation into what is injured and the extent of injury is warranted with x rays and ultrasound if necessary. The most humane thing to do may prove to be euthanasia before this horse develops laminitis or alot of money is spent in care that is unlikely to produce the outcome the owners are hoping for. Im very sorry for this misfortune. good luck in making your way through this. Please feel free to contact me again.