Surgery Puts Promising Pennsylvania Racehorse on Track to Full Recovery

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A radiograph showing Golden Tie’s olecranon fracture and the locking compression plate (LCP) and staples in place during the foal’s recovery.

When Golden Tie arrived at the Purdue University Large Animal Hospital for treatment of a fracture in his leg, he had already experienced a series of dramatic life changes for a young horse. A spirited five-month-old Standardbred foal destined to be a racehorse, Golden Tie was born on a farm in northern Indiana to a beloved mare named “Ellie” that was owned by Greta and Tyler Stillings of Washington, Penn.

Radiograph of Golden Tie’s olecranon after placement of a LCP. The LCP provides more stability and strength at the fracture line compared to traditional plates.

Ellie began having health problems as the result of her second pregnancy. At the time, she was living with Golden Tie on a specialty farm in northern Indiana that caters to foaling mares and their foals. Despite receiving special medical attention, Ellie passed away due to colic-related complications. The Stillings were devastated at losing their mare and her pregnancy and turned their attention to Golden Tie. “He was weaned in a paddock with other young foals where they sometimes play really hard,” said Greta Stillings, “and we suspect that he fell.”

Golden Tie (pictured at home) is on stable rest for the duration of his recovery. With his friendly demeanor and love of hugs, Golden Tie was a special patient during his stay at the VTH. “His gentle nature made his care and surgery much easier, especially considering the risk,” said Large Animal Surgery Resident Jase Skelton.

Golden Tie was referred to the Large Animal Hospital for treatment of a non-displaced, articular, olecranon fracture, which is a break in the bony tip of the horse’s elbow. A surgical team led by Dr. Jan Hawkins, professor of large animal surgery and head of the hospital’s large animal surgery service, repaired Golden Tie’s elbow with successful surgical reconstruction using a locking compression plate (LCP).

“Because of his future as a racehorse, we chose to use a locking compression plate to stabilize the fracture due to the biomechanical advantage of increased strength,” said Large Animal Surgery Resident Jase Skelton.

Greta Stillings praised the level of care and attention Golden Tie received at the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. “Losing his mother at this age is hard for a foal, so we were pleased to hear he was so affectionate with the veterinarians and students during his time there,” Greta said. “He’s very special to us and we think with his spirit and this surgery he will still be able to race as an adult.”

“He was a sweet little foal,” said Dr. Hawkins. “The fracture was minimally displaced, so we expect him to make a full recovery.”

Writer(s): Lauren Bruce | pvmnews@purdue.edu