Alcohol Hock Fusion ....the risks ?

[Joules1966]

I have a 7 yr old who was diagnosed with bone spavin in both hocks last February, he only had mild changes in the lower joint.He didn't respond to the cortisone injections , so had Tildren which appears to have worked but only for 4 months, he has just had his second this week.My vet has suggested the alcohol fusion , which she implied would be a very straight forward and simple end to his problem as it would fuse the joint....however I have heard that it can be very risky and not very successful..not sure I want to take the risk and may just consider long term Bute ( not without its own side effects I know) .I would like to hear from anyone who has had experience of this treatment so I can weigh up the risks and make an informed decision.....Thank you

 

[sheep]

I think a user called applecart14 has this done on her horse, if you search for her and her posts you may find some further info. If I remember correctly I *think* the main issue is that if it doesn't work, you cannot try any further treatment, but if it does work, it works very well. I could be wrong though!