OklahomaHorses Magazine March 2021

March/April 2021 • OklahomaHorses 9 Bubby’s leg. The injury had likely been sustained and left untreated for at least three days. It appeared the paint’s leg had become trapped in a fence or some wire, and by jerking his leg back and forth to try to gain freedom, he essentially sawed through his own flesh and into his canon bone. Bubby’s extensor tendon had been complete- ly severed. He had also ruptured his peroneus tertius, likely a result of hyperextension of the leg when he was struggling to free it. With both tendons compromised, Bubby was unable to lift and place his back foot. To add to the already daunting list of chal- lenges, Bubby suffered from an untreated case of laminitis, a painful inflammatory condition also known as founder, in both front hooves. Often, with injuries this extreme and the level of treatment required to try to save and restore the leg, many horse owners would opt to humanely euthanize the animal. That answer is certainly not wrong. But that is not the answer Lindsay decided to pursue. She loaded the horse into her personal trailer by having her father lead him while she walked alongside him and physically supported his injured leg with each step. She then hauled him straight to Wallace for hospitalization. Wallace immediately addressed the multiple issues the horse was facing. She thought he might have a chance to survive if antibiotic perfusions were performed to provide a high concentration of antimicrobial therapy directly to the affected area. Additionally, Wallace per- formed surgery to address bone sequestration, a condition in which bone that has been exposed to the air begins to die and separate from healthy bone. From a long-term care standpoint, the horse would need careful bandaging with a pulley sys- tem affixed to the front of a specially designed shoe to support the leg while the wound healed and tissue granulated to take the place of the tendon. Without the pulley aiding the horse in standing and taking steps, the foot would drag, impeding recovery and potentially causing further damage. Finally, Bubby would also require corrective shoes for several months and ongoing trims by a specialist to address the chronic laminitis in his front feet. For most people, the expensive ongoing treatment plan would seem completely overwhelming—especially for an animal that is not technically yours. But Lindsay knew the sweet-natured gelding deserved a chance. Undaunted, she formally adopted Bubby from TAW after his holding period expired. Then she and her team of veterinarians—expanded to include the expertise of equine podiatry specialist Dr. Sammy Pitt- man—got to work. Bubby was hospitalized with Wallace for two weeks. After that, he moved to the barn where the Henrys board and care for their other eight horses. With that move, the bulk of Bubby’s care fell on Lindsay and Jeff’s shoulders day in and day out. Bubby’s wound had to be cleaned, and exten- sive layers of bandages had to be changed every five days without fail. Lindsay performed that task religiously, even dragging herself to the barn when she was ill with a fever. Bubby had to hold Bubby today, living his best life.