ARTHRITIS in Spine...... Any HOPE?? Suggestions PLEASE!

[louisewarner]

Again looking for advice......my boy recovered from his suspensory problems in that he became sound after the box rest, walking, excercise increase etc etc......we got as far as cantering, and 30 mins a day in school when he started resisting again ..scans showed little/no increase in suspensory problems and they are well healed..........X rays and scans followed and querying Sacro Iliac Strain.....all well there.........HOWEVER as he was fine on lunge, and when ridden until a contact was asked for, attention turned to his back.....X rays revealed arthritic change in T12, T13 and T14 (??) right under saddle area........medicated with steroid, box rested for 2 weeks and walking in hand.......repeat X rays and little improvement.
He is fine on long rein and given that he is a bit of a sharp type when hacking I have decided he cant safely do that as if I needed to hold onto him in event of a Dragon in the hedge he may decide to just leave the county without me (he has always been like this hacking and it isnt going to change now!) SO I have decided at 16 he will retire........he is happy, turned out for a morning everyday (what he has always done) and I still keep him "dressed for the office" as he would not appreciated being sidelined having been such a worker...Am I doing the right thing? IS there any other route of treatment I can follow.......my vets dont seem to feel anything else will work as the steroid injection into his spine did not improve his discomfort. It is SO soul destroying as I lunge him twice a week and he LOOKS so supple and elastic and bright.........but of course my weight on his back (I have to say I am only 8 stone in weight and he has never been ridden by anyone over 10 stone in his life) and asking for a contact seems to have him in pain. I have not now ridden him at all since this was diagnosed in late December and have resigned myself to retiring him, but felt it worth asking you guys if there is anything I could do? I wouldnt consider surgery, but can find little imformation about arthritic spines...I assume there isnt potential for fusing or similar naturally occuring self healing issues such as in hock spavin........so any advice appreciated. I could ride him round the arena on a long rein but somehow now feel I may aggravate his existing arthritis so do not even try. Just lunged him today and watched him thinking what a waste! I am not really in contact with my vet about this now as they made it clear they felt there was no where we could go with this problem now, so havent pushed it..........I have closed my insurance claim so anything I do now would have to be paid for by me (will take in ironing to pay for it if need be!)
Would love to know if others think that we are really now at the end of the road..........
Thanks as ever!!

 

[spaniel]

I think you are going to have to accept that your chap is now retired. If the steroids havent eased the situation there is little that can be done. Arthritic changes are just that, changes, and sadly you cannot heal them or get back what you once had. Given the area affected I think you have done the right thing in not riding although gentle work on the lunge and a happy retirement as companions to each other isnt out of the question.

 

[squirtlysmum]

I think you know in your heart that retirement is the only way for him at the mo, but much as I hate to say this, if it gets worse then PTS. I suffer with Osteo arthritis and the pain is quite like nothing else and make life pretty miserable.
If he's a happy boy just being pampered then that's got to be best.

 

[louisewarner]

Thankyou for your advice...I admit I do feel I am doing the right thing for him, and he is happy and thriving, being pampered as much as ever. I guess I just wanted to know from others opinions as I never really explored options with the vet and i have heard of other types of "treatments" Chiro, accupuncture, etc.....It is very hard to accept in many ways as we have done so much together and he is my horse of a lifetime! Nothing compares to him, but he owes me nothing except the pleasure of his company now and I hope the "changes" will be very slow to prgress.......if anyone has advice about supplements/additves to extend his comfort (I do not think he is in ANY pain at all at the moment) I would be really grateful to hear.
Thanks.

 

[brightmount]

[ QUOTE ]
.......if anyone has advice about supplements/additves to extend his comfort (I do not think he is in ANY pain at all at the moment) I would be really grateful to hear.
Thanks.

[/ QUOTE ]

I haven't got direct experience of arthritis in the spine, but my horse was diagnosed with arthritis in her lower legs, and quite probably elsewhere, and at one point last summer when the ground was hard she was really uncomfortable - it was painful to watch.

I started her on Pernamax Equine and there was a noticeable improvement. I am still using it. It's extracted from Green Lipped Mussels, and isn't some wacky crackpot remedy. A friend's horse was even prescribed GLM for her horse at one point by a vet.

Here's the link if you want to give it a go:

http://www.maxavita.com/products/pet/pernamaxequine/

 

[Kat1e]

Could he be driven comfortably?

 

[louisewarner]

That was a thought I had initially though driving is not my thing......however, given his fear of all things scary in a hacking situation (especially rattly trucks+trailers) I think not!
The very thought of him careering along being chased by a demon comprising of a trap glued to his bottom would probably result in instant death collision! Think we will pass on that one....but thanks for suggestion!!

 

[BethH]

What a lucky horse to have such a caring owner!

I hope you are able to enjoy him for many years. My old horse who I lost just before his 30th birthday sounds a little like your boy in that he was such a pleasure to be around, that when he retired I didn't miss riding him because I so enjoyed his company. We had some lovely lovely times together which I treasure and remember far more than any other time with him, especially the cuddles, I am sure and hope you will find the same. He was an honour to own and retirement didn't change that for a second.

 

[dozzie]

Have you contacted a homeopathic or holistic vet? I had a mastiff given the kiss of death due to spinal problems by normal vet. Contacted holistic vet who recommended chiropracter (mctimoney one). Saved dogs life and is now sound as a pound!!
Worth a phonecall as there are lots of alternative therapies that might make him more comfy if not rideable. And they are a lot cheaper and less invasive than surgery.