Psychologic sequela Rejection of coaptation as soon as upon awakening from recovery. Horses fight or reject casts or can injure themselves by hitting contralateral limb or luxating a proximal joint due to weight of the case. Rejection of sling or support. Arabians are best at adapting with Thoroughbreds the worst at accepting a sling. Psychological depression and fatalism.
Horses mentally quit after periods of prolonged fracture convalescence.
Sling, coaptation, and pain all can cause a severe depression and giving up attitude. Horses should be carefully screened to avoid a lengthy, expensive repair in a horse that will not accept a sling or pain. Nursing care of these horses can make the difference between success and failure during the long convalescent period. Hand feeding and treats. Foot contracture and fracture disease Foot contracture is hard to avoid and can be aided by corrective shoeing after fracture repair and improved weight bearing.