Arthritis of spine, kissing spines and SI issues- help!

[VikkiL]

Hi

Following a year of suspensory ligament issues, my horse recently came back from Newmarket diagnosed with arthritis of the spine (facet joints), kissing spines and sacrolittic syndrome (which I havnt been able to find much info about of the internet).

Has any one had a horse with any/all of these issues, and how did you manage it? Horse is on a bute and day and is now retired, he doesnt seem in pain, but does seem a bit down- he has sweet itch in summer and is struggling with it this year.

What was the long term prognosis for anyone horse who has similar issues? Has anyone got any management tips/ advice? He lives out.

 

[toomanyhorses26]

My horse has damage to both proximal suspensories,hock changes,kissing spines,damage to the supraspinious ligament,navicular and pedal osteitis. Like yours see isn't herself and seems very depressed. I don't think the danilon that I am getting into her (approx. 6-8 sachets a day depending on how much I can get her to eat) is working particulary well as she is still massively sensitive over her back and can still see lameness all round. I have made the choice to have her put to sleep because she is crap at box rest and even worse at slow,walking work. Im sorry my story isn't a more positive one

 

[VikkiL]

Sorry about your horse TMH.
How were the vets abut you decision- were they supportive?

To be honest the though of pts has crossed my mind most times Ive seen him over the last couple of weeks, but I feel like a total monster for even thinking about it

Mine has the hock issues too- forgot that on the list- so both hind suspensories, slightly dodgy left hock, arthritis of spine, kissing spines, sacrolittic syndrome and severe sweet itch- will talk to vet about upping his bute, see if that makes any difference, and hope for a miracle cure for sweet itch.

 

[toomanyhorses26]

They have been fab tbh - they basically said if she had just presented with the kissing spines or the navicular etc then they would have put her forward for the surgery etc but she felt the level of damage and the combination of injuries and my horses dislike for box rest or any slow work would give no hope really for recovery. She basically has no normal suspensory tissue left and very limited normal tissue in her supraspinious ligament. She looks fab and normally has a real bright button personality and this is what has gone. I could keep her as a field ornament but she deserves better than that. She is only 9 years old so could potentially have another 20 years of field time. As much as I am hating myself right now for doing this ,I respect her too much to let her decline,.