Arthritis in sacroiliac joint

[ace123]

HI.
I have a pony that is walking weird.
Tail cocked to the side.
Hind tilting unevenly.
Resting leg.
Gave him few days box rest and as no change had the vet out today. He had the same problem last two winters as well. Seems fine during the summer.
Been put on bute but Arthritis of sacroiliac joint was mentioned.
I have the back lady coming next week who has sorted him out for last few times its happened. If it turns out to be arthritis will this be the end of him being ridden as its in his back?
Can it be diagnosed that easily?

 

[Sussexbythesea]

I don't think it necessarily means you can't continue riding to some degree at least. An external examination can't confirm arthritis of any joint although it may be the most likely from the symptoms. Mine had various scans but even then it was really down to what the symptoms indicate rather than actual hard evidence.

Steroid injections into the SI joint are a possibility but does have a risk of inducing laminitis. Apart from in the acute stage of an injury I've always been encouraged to keep my horse who has a chronic SI strain moving - in fact the stronger and more muscled he is the less it affects him as its the muscles around the joint that keep the joint stable - and generally arthritis benefits from regular if more gentle exercise. Also may consider a natural anti-inflammatory or even bute or danilon. If you exercise him less over winter I wonder if this recurrence might be because he has lost muscle tone and become weaker as well as of course the cold wet weather. Mine also has regular physio to keep him on track.

I think its worth looking into further especially if your pony is not very old and you do not want to retire him Good luck.