Arthritus in hock

Claire-R

Claire-R

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Hi there, just looking for some advice about my 13 year old tb mare.
She got diagnosed with arthritus in her hock a few months ago. We had all the xrays done which showed the change, we then went down the steriod injection route and now she is being lightly ridden 3 -5 days a week in walk for a month then reassessed.

She currently has a full set of shoes every 6 weeks with the equipak in her hinds.

I was trying to look in to her going barefoot with a decent set of boots when we go out for our walk? Has anyone experienced this? Im trying to gather some information together before i talk to my farrier!
 
Why does she have the equipak?

Personally I think over time shoes off can only be a good think for arthritis, they produce their own shock absorbers then :p
 
Mine was diagnosed 2 weeks ago and has had the steroid injections. He is barefoot but has been for a year now anyway but he is coping fine since the injection. I am currently on 30 mins walk a day on hardish surfaces to encourage the hock to fuse. Next week I can add in 2 mins of trot a day too.
 
ester said:
Why does she have the equipak?

Personally I think over time shoes off can only be a good think for arthritis, they produce their own shock absorbers then :p
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yes , this, definitely , less impact damage and if possible don't stable, i have a PRE with arthritic changes in one hock, he stiffens badly if he is stabled too much, which is a nightmare as he loves his box and gets very stressed if he doesn't go in, he is barefoot and manages very well, i don't boot him either as i don't really like them, i give him a mix of turmeric and devil's claw and in fact the farrier came yesterday and commented on how well he is moving since i added the devil's claw root and i had hacked him 10 miles + up and down hills the day before. I have found that some farriers are very positive and supportive regarding barefoot and others are definitely not, you will have to judge if yours is giving you an honest opinion or wants to hang on to his wages!
 
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