I am looking for some ideas to rehab a 4 year old Appy mare with a broke shoulder. We just purchased her (to keep her from slaughter) a few weeks ago. She was kicked by another horse in July and radiographs showed a fracture to the shoulder "wing". The vet said that with stall rest and time (6 months), she would be sound for light, flat riding.

When she is standing still, she will stand flat on it and bare weight. When walking, she drags her hoof and won't lift it. I can lifter her hoof, and move her leg forward, back and up and down without any apparent pain. I have also seen her trot and she will lift it to trot. She has lost a great deal of muscle tone and range of motion in the shoulder. I am hoping for some ideas to help her build back up and get her to start lifting that hoof up. If anyone has seen a similar injury or has any ideas, I would greatly appreciate it.

Darcy

Make sure you follow the vets recommendations on stall rest and recovery. Letting her do to much to soon could cause more problems. But if it is time for her to start using it and if you are in an area that can provide these treatments I would recommend finding a place that has water treadmill (can't think of the correct name). Where they are in chest deep water and walk on a tread mill. This is a good low impact way to build muscle. The other treatment I would say to use is Acupuncture it works great on getting the nerves working again and for circulation. You could also find an arena with good footing, sand would be the best (6-8 inches deep) and do a lot of walking.
Hope this helps.

you could try using tite liniment spray, good for warming muscles relieves pain helps bone strengthing in young horses.

im using this spray for my 15yr old gelding, ive had him for 12 mnths and he wnet lame just before xmas 2007 got over it and i noticed he had been favouing that leg, then he couldnt walk properly, chiropractor came out said its his shoulder he had an injury in the past, dosnt look good. been using this spray seems to be a bit of improvement some days he is more stiffer than others but the good news is hes not getting any worse. hope this can help you too. hope your horse is doing o.k

Being immobile for 6 months, all muscles with atrophy.

When the vet recommends it, just starting out walking is good too.

I would ask about rom theraphy for now to keep things supple. Ask your vet if you can do that - ROM is range of motion exercises, much like we do when we got o physical therapy. Keeps muscles supple and stretched.

I would recommend water therapy for starters, just walking. I don't know if you have anyone around you, there are some therapy vans that travel around the country. If you have race tracks or race horse breeders around you - I would ask them if they have a therapist.

Remember patience would be key here.