Why can you save a horse with a broken leg?
Some fractures, such as compound fractures or fractures of more than one leg, still result in instant euthanasia. Since this question was asked shortly after Eight Belles was put down I will use her as an example. During the 2008 Kentucky Derby, Eight Belles fractured both front legs. She was euthanised because she could not stand while the legs were splinted. However, even if they had gotten her up it would have been far harder for her to be saved. Her front legs would have to have been held off the ground for over a month. The result would have been dubious – and the horse would have suffered immensely. This is why the sad decision to put a horse down is often made after it breaks a bone.
