Advice Needed

[Mindymoo]

Hi there
I am new to this forum but I am hoping I can get some advice.
My mare who is 12 and Who may I add has very low mileage sadly has osteoarthritis in her hocks/fetlock.
She has had steroid injections but I was wondering what else I can do for her as he is still not 100% sound. Should I just continue with light work and give her supplements or retire her? Although she would hate to just be sat in the field. I really don’t know what to do for the best ?
Thank you

 

[Red-1]

I would have the vet re-examine.

It is possible that there is a further issue that could not be determined before, but is now more obvious if the main lameness is better, alternatively they could advise re further pain relief.

 

[Mindymoo]

Thank you.
I Also think I may have to take her back to the vets but I wanted to know how others manage arthritis aswel as I just don’t know what to do for the best anymore x

 

[Shay]

It have a coblet with osteoarthitis. There are differenet levels of joint injections available so it is well worth going back to the vet. We started with plain steriods injected annually about 5 or 6 years ago (he's 29 now and was in full work then - now mostly retired.) This year that hasn't helped as much so we have gone to steroid with HA combined. If that wears off too soon there are 2 further possible injectable combinations to bring him sound. Surgey is a possible option - but not for us becuase of his age.

I do feed joint supplements - feedmark extraflex HA at the moment. Also the amount of work you can offer them makes a massive difference. You might find if you are able to do more with your mare the injections might work more effectively / last longer. You have to be careful with work when they are not fully sound of course - but in hand, longlining, raised poles. Anything to get them to mobilise the joint more.

 

[AndrewN]

My mare is older than yours and has a similar problem. I don't know if she should enjoy her retired life now

 

[Mindymoo]

It have a coblet with osteoarthitis. There are differenet levels of joint injections available so it is well worth going back to the vet. We started with plain steriods injected annually about 5 or 6 years ago (he's 29 now and was in full work then - now mostly retired.) This year that hasn't helped as much so we have gone to steroid with HA combined. If that wears off too soon there are 2 further possible injectable combinations to bring him sound. Surgey is a possible option - but not for us becuase of his age.

I do feed joint supplements - feedmark extraflex HA at the moment. Also the amount of work you can offer them makes a massive difference. You might find if you are able to do more with your mare the injections might work more effectively / last longer. You have to be careful with work when they are not fully sound of course - but in hand, longlining, raised poles. Anything to get them to mobilise the joint more.

It have a coblet with osteoarthitis. There are differenet levels of joint injections available so it is well worth going back to the vet. We started with plain steriods injected annually about 5 or 6 years ago (he's 29 now and was in full work then - now mostly retired.) This year that

It have a coblet with osteoarthitis. There are differenet levels of joint injections available so it is well worth going back to the vet. We started with plain steriods injected annually about 5 or 6 years ago (he's 29 now and was in full work then - now mostly retired.) This year that hasn't helped as much so we have gone to steroid with HA combined. If that wears off too soon there are 2 further possible injectable combinations to bring him sound. Surgey is a possible option - but not for us becuase of his age.

I do feed joint supplements - feedmark extraflex HA at the moment. Also the amount of work you can offer them makes a massive difference. You might find if you are able to do more with your mare the injections might work more effectively / last longer. You have to be careful with work when they are not fully sound of course - but in hand, longlining, raised poles. Anything to get them to mobilise the joint more.

Thanks for this.
Her Arthritis at the moment is low grade and is isn’t hopping lame just a slightly shorter stride and slight nod.
This is going to make me sound awful but it is not my intention as my mare is my world but as I am no longer insured for this I worry I can’t afford big vet bills for operations etc hence why I am asking for what people do to manage it.
X

 

[Mindymoo]

My mare is older than yours and has a similar problem. I don't know if she should enjoy her retired life now

It’s a tough one isn’t it. Mine would hate to be stood in the field day in day out so I am hoping I can just get something that will ease the inflammation and pain so we can still go on pleasure rides x

 

[Theskebaldmare]

hey just wondering is ice blocks safe for horses, seen a lot of people making them just wondering

 

[Theskebaldmare]

Hi there
I am new to this forum but I am hoping I can get some advice.
My mare who is 12 and Who may I add has very low mileage sadly has osteoarthritis in her hocks/fetlock.
She has had steroid injections but I was wondering what else I can do for her as he is still not 100% sound. Should I just continue with light work and give her supplements or retire her? Although she would hate to just be sat in the field. I really don’t know what to do for the best ?
Thank you

If I were you I would semi retire her