arthritis

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ruthb

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Hi,

My horse has just been diagnosed with arthritis in her hock. I am obviously very distressed and worried - she's only 14 and a cob-type, but had a very tough early life (rescue horse) including trotting racing on the roads, so I suppose its not surprising. She's very beloved and if she has to be retired and become a very large pet then so be it, but I would dearly love to think that she might be rideable again. She's mainly a hack now, with a bit of low level schooling and a very little easy jumping, so competing/hard riding isn't an issue but I would not want to do anything that would accelerate her condition.
I have a whole load of questions, and wondered if anyone could help me with a few of them ...

* Her condition is being described as "arthritic change". I know what arthritis is, but what (idiot's version please) is meant by change? And if change is occurring, what has triggered it and will it stop?

* What is meant by fusion, as in her hocks have to fuse? (again, explanation for dullard needed ...)

* She's going to have a cortisol injection next week, presumably to bring down the swellign and make her more comfortable. What is your view/experience on this?

* She has been on box rest the last few weeks awaiting the diagnosis; do you think she should go out so she can move about,or be kept in to rest the leg? Weight is an issue, but she's losing nothing in the box even though she's getting only three slices of hay a day and I could get her a grazing muzzle ...

* What treatments - both veterinary, dietary and - at this point I'd do anything - old wives tales - have you tried for arthritis and with what sort of results?

Any advice/help would be much appreciated.
Ruthx
 
Can't help much I'm afraid but my understanding of fusion is exactly what you said, bones fusing together. The hock is made up of a few small bones so some/all will be fusing together (that's what it sounds like anyway). By change I would imagine they mean that the joint structure is changing, as in the fusing in this case. I've heard cortisol injections can make a big difference but other people may have different experiences.

Other people may disagree but that is my understanding. Sorry I couldn't help more
 
You mention fusion. It sounds like the two bones within the hock joint have started growing together and so are uncomfortable until they have fused. Your vet should really be explaining all this to you. Once the bones have fused your mare should be sound again, and everything should remain stable.The change has been triggered by work / age - but this change happens to many horses a lot younger than yours, and that haven't been raced on the roads.

She should definitely NOT be turned out. Controlled exercise only for several months. Your vet should be advising you about walking out in hand, for how long, once or twice a day, etc.

The reason why I am responding with such confidence is that I went through this with an 8yo 2 years ago. He has returned to full work and is eventing v successfully and (touch wood) sound as a pound all the time. I had both hocks injected on vet's advice. I feed an anti-arthritis supplement which is supposed to smooth the bones (sounds like hocus pocus but it works). Do NOT feed cider vinegar as it will interfere with the fusion process (cider vinegar dissolves excess bone). You want the hocks to fuse and then they should settle permanantly.

You should demand an explanation from your vet as I expect you are spending quite a lot of money on the jabs, etc and he will explain it all much better than me! Good luck.
 
That explanation was way better than mine
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The vet is coming back in the week, and I will be asking EVERYTHING. When he told me I was just so upset it was all I could do not to cry - she really is very beloved to me - and as I knew he was coming back I thought it would be best if I did a bit of homework/pulled myself together first.
 
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