Horses need 4 legs to survive

[tropicana]

All the recent news of Barbaro, the horse that won the Preakness Stakes and borke it's leg had me wondering... why do they have to put down horses that break one of it's legs.

I did some research and it was quite interesting and thought I'd share it.

Horses have two small arteries in their legs, and when a horse breaks a leg, the blood flow to the lower limb might be impeded.

That's what you worry about as life-threatening
If this kind of injury happened to a human, we'd be put up in bed for six weeks. But you can't do that for a horse.

A horse's physiology and temperament are not designed for long stretches of inactivity. A horse with a severely injured leg will try to put weight on it; if a horse is forced to recline, its internal organs may not react properly.

Why broken legs are life-threatening for horses
Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro broke three bones in his right rear leg in Saturday's Preakness Stakes. It is a life-threatening injury because a horse must heal fast and well enough to have four weight-bearing limbs. Why that's difficult:

Can't keep a horse lying down: Horses are continuous grazers. Sedating a horse enough that it will lie down for a long period of time disturbs its gastrointestinal tract.

Can't keep a horse still: Horses are animals of flight. When horses get in unfamiliar circumstances, they revert to nature and want to run.

Can't keep a horse off his feet: Whenever they are under stress, horses want to stand. In a sling, a horse will struggle until it gets its feet back on the ground.

Artificial limbs aren't practical: Artificial limbs have been tried repeatedly, with limited success. Horses require four limbs to spread their weight. When they overload a limb, it is extremely painful.

Equilibrium is crucial: Equilibrium is so finely tuned in a horse that it needs all four legs for long-term survival.


-justin-

[coriolis]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing that.

I'm sure that the owners have insurance for him.

[azsnowman]

I don't know, good questions!

Of course, look at the MILLIONS of $$$'s they said he will bring in JUST for STUD fees

[artist]

they can be put in a sling though and thus immobilized in many cases.

[Lindaloo]

That is correct artist. The front lergs are a b it more complicated. If they are to break bones it should be in the hind legs.

If they are lame, that does not mean they should be put down.

[O Town]

Interesting read Justin. I have seen horses in those slings, just wondering how long they keep them in there. I am sure not long enough to heal a broken leg. But could be I don't know.

[Skywatch_NC]

I've heard that Barbaro spends some time in a swimming pool, too.

Just like water therapy for injured human limbs...for animals as well.

[artist]

has anyone watched Dreamer - that was based on a true story. I'm not sure how long she was in the sling but long enough to heal her front knee.

[Stephanie]

That is correct artist. The front lergs are a b it more complicated. If they are to break bones it should be in the hind legs.

If they are lame, that does not mean they should be put down.

EXACTLY - everything should be done to help ensure the animal can still have a normal life. Thank God the Jacksons are thinking about him in this way - regardless of whether he can bring in stud fees or not.

They also want to make sure that they can put weight on all four legs evenly, even now because the other legs can become infected.

Rumor has it, he is a flirt with the mares.