Tony’s Story

Tony, often called “Tony the Pony,” was a miniature horse owned by Bridget Connell in Georgia. He played a meaningful role in equine-assisted psychotherapy, helping patients feel more comfortable and open during sessions.

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Tony’s Shoulder Injury

One day, Tony came up from the pasture limping.

At first, Bridget suspected a snake bite, but after bringing him to her regular vet in Georgia it was clear there was something more serious wrong.

Tony was referred to the University of Florida Veterinary Hospital for further evaluation.

“Tony came to us with a sudden onset of lameness on his left front limb,” said Lawrence Kadic, DACVS-LA. “We diagnosed him with a subluxation [dislocation] of the left shoulder joint.”

The injury left Tony barely able to walk, creating a difficult situation for his owner.

“We had two options: an expensive surgery or euthanize him,” Bridget said. “We were already struggling financially because of large medical bills in our family due to a cancer diagnosis. We just couldn’t do it.”

Treatments Options for Shoulder Dislocation

The veterinary team worked to find a way forward.

Between donor support and teaching resources, they were able to move ahead with treatment while also training veterinary students.

“We also came up with a more affordable solution using a tension band technique to stabilize the joint, instead of performing an arthrodesis with plates and screws,” Dr. Kadic said. “Miniature horse breeds can have shallower glenoid cavities, which can lead to more subluxations and arthritis in their shoulder joints.”  

Because of Tony’s size, standard equine implants were not the right fit.

To address this, the team collaborated to develop a more customized approach.

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Shoulder Repair with PushLock® Anchor

Working together, the surgical team selected an approach using a Knotless PushLock® anchor combined with additional support to stabilize Tony’s shoulder.

“Tony is so small that some of the products we might recommend for a full-sized horse just wouldn’t work,” said Arthrex Vet Systems Sales Representative Doug Tollett. “We needed to think outside the box on this one and do what we do at Arthrex—solve problems for surgeons and their patients.”

The goal was to restore stability to the joint while allowing Tony to return to comfortable movement.

“The surgery went great, and he is healing well,” Dr. Kadic said.

Recovery After Shoulder Surgery

Tony’s recovery included a combination of rest and supportive therapies such as laser therapy and acupuncture.

He was also placed with an experienced caregiver who could guide his rehabilitation in a safe, controlled environment.

“I cannot say enough good things about all the people who have helped us,” Bridget said. “From those who have volunteered their time and stable space to the University of Florida, the Arthrex products they used and everyone who has gone above and beyond to help us.”

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Back to Helping People

For Tony, recovery meant more than healing—it meant returning to the role he played in people’s lives.

“All Tony needs to do is be himself and be able to walk in his pasture,” Bridget said. “Thanks to all the people who jumped in to help us, we are well on our way, and we feel very blessed.”

With continued recovery, Tony was on track to return to the environment where he had such a meaningful impact.

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A Tailored Solution for Tony

Tony’s injury required a solution tailored to both his size and his role, bringing together surgical expertise, creative thinking, and community support.

From an uncertain diagnosis to a path forward, his recovery showed what can be possible when dedicated people come together to find a solution.

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