Bone scan or retire? Big decision

[nutjob]

It depends on the severity of the other conditions. I've had a nightmare with suspensory ligament issues but depending on how many limbs are affected and how severe would make a difference to what I did. If there is sensitivity around the SI which a vet or physio should be able to find without a bone scan, I would probably have the SI injected with steroids and do an in hand rehab which may also help with the arthritis. This is not too expensive. Mine was very tight / painful across a lot of his back and the SI injections gave him enough relief to start moving correctly again. Even if the horse is being turned away this could make him more comfortable.

 

[NooNoo59]

It depends on the severity of the other conditions. I've had a nightmare with suspensory ligament issues but depending on how many limbs are affected and how severe would make a difference to what I did. If there is sensitivity around the SI which a vet or physio should be able to find without a bone scan, I would probably have the SI injected with steroids and do an in hand rehab which may also help with the arthritis. This is not too expensive. Mine was very tight / painful across a lot of his back and the SI injections gave him enough relief to start moving correctly again. Even if the horse is being turned away this could make him more comfortable.

The sacro iliac has been injected no difference suspensories seemed better after 6 months rest and shock wave. But he still lame worse under saddle.

 

[SEL]

The sacro iliac has been injected no difference suspensories seemed better after 6 months rest and shock wave. But he still lame worse under saddle.

That does sound very similar to my mare (with added PSSM). She's fine turned away and I think I said up thread she's actually looking pretty good right now. She was cantering some pretty tight circles in the paddock this morning on both reins with her ears pricked - even with adrenaline she used to favour the left lead so that was good to see. It could be that her hocks have fused (she's 14 now) and that's helped everything.

The bone scan may give you answers but it sounds like it could also just confirm what you already know in which case the money would be better spent elsewhere.

Are you in a position to retire or does that lead to more difficult questions for you?

 

[rabatsa]

No one can make the decission but you.

Mine in a similar situation was retired and pts 4 years later as obviously a lot worse in bad weather. I did not go for any more scans of any sort.

 

[Polos Mum]

I'm another that thinks for a young horse with a long list of problems - the chances you find something fixable are almost nil.
Sorry it's a horrible situation but that seems to be horses sadly.

Whether it is worth it for you depends on whether you're happy to retire him without chasing down every last possibility and also how material £2.6k is to you.
If he had to retire that money would buy you a good number of professional lessons to keep your riding up - or go towards the next one or cover his retirement for a while.

To spend that sort of money I'd want a reasonable chance of a successful outcome and it sounds (by what you have said) your vet has said that is unlikely.

 

[Annagain]

I've tried about three times to word this and I can't quite get it right so I hope you understand what I'm saying! Sorry if not.
Are the arthritis, SI and suspensory issues definite issues or is it that you treated them in the hope he'd improve and now that he hasn't you're wondering if it's something else? I suppose what I'm asking is it definitely an issue on top of those issues or could it be that you just haven't found the actual issue?
Does that make sense?

 

[Hormonal Filly]

Two friends paid for bone scans as their insurance had maxed out. Either really got anymore answers than they already had.. one is retired and one did show a hotspot on his backwhich they medicated on a whim, vet not convinced its a contributing issue. He is currently in rehab, but if I'm honest in my opinion he still doesn't look quite right.

Its a lot of money to spend with no prospect to come back into full work, so I don't think I would do it.

 

[NooNoo59]

I've tried about three times to word this and I can't quite get it right so I hope you understand what I'm saying! Sorry if not.
Are the arthritis, SI and suspensory issues definite issues or is it that you treated them in the hope he'd improve and now that he hasn't you're wondering if it's something else? I suppose what I'm asking is it definitely an issue on top of those issues or could it be that you just haven't found the actual issue?
Does that make sense?

Yes it makes sense! They are definite issues but I think they are secondary to what ever it is we haven't found. Vet reckons if we do scan it's a 20 to 30 percent chance he will come back to work which isn't great odds

 

[ycbm]

Yes it makes sense! They are definite issues but I think they are secondary to what ever it is we haven't found. Vet reckons if we do scan it's a 20 to 30 percent chance he will come back to work which isn't great odds

If you do start to think you should do it, you perhaps need to get your vet to give you their estimate of how long the horse will stay in work if the 20 to 30% chance happens. It would be worth it, maybe, for 5 years, but not for 12 months, and maybe not for any years if they are full of worry, treatments and yet more expense.
.

 

[Widgeon]

No horse on livery which if I then want one to ride means 2 on livery which is double the expense. I am not sure I can even be bothered to get another one he was going to see me out as it were as I am 65 this year. But what would I do instead sit home and knit?!

Could you look at full grass livery somewhere local-ish for the unridden one? That way at least you don't quite have double the expense of two ridden horses on a "proper" livery yard (sorry, this is assuming you're not already on a pretty basic form of livery).

If you can afford it (and personally in your shoes I'd put the £2K ish towards another one rather than a bone scan) I'd still get another horse. 65 is no age if you're fit and healthy. You know what they say about use it or lose it!

Alternatively, while I think I'd struggle to do it myself, there's nothing wrong with PTS for a young horse who's unlikely to ever come sound. Worth thinking through anyway, to see how you'd feel about that. Hideous decision to have to make, but it would be an enormous financial and emotional weight off your shoulders - otherwise you'll be "carrying" this horse for potentially a very, very long time.

 

[NooNoo59]

So decision made for now! Not having bone scan done atm, going to hack a mates horse and maybe have a few lessons. I dont think he will come right long term as he has too much going on and I cant cope with this rest rehab rest rehab scenario where i think the end game is going to be the same. I am just going to look after him and if in the future he starts to look uncomfortable I will make the decision. The problem is when not in work he can become a bit feral and gets a bit bargy etc. so think he would probably be better out 24/7 something else to consider. But how long do you leave a horse in a field just being a horse, again decisions to be made in the future.

 

[Zoeypxo]

Is there any retirement livery yards near you?
I doubt being stabled will help his conditions.

 

[Peglo]

So decision made for now! Not having bone scan done atm, going to hack a mates horse and maybe have a few lessons. I dont think he will come right long term as he has too much going on and I cant cope with this rest rehab rest rehab scenario where i think the end game is going to be the same. I am just going to look after him and if in the future he starts to look uncomfortable I will make the decision. The problem is when not in work he can become a bit feral and gets a bit bargy etc. so think he would probably be better out 24/7 something else to consider. But how long do you leave a horse in a field just being a horse, again decisions to be made in the future.

I retired my first pony when she was 15 due to lameness. After a few years on bute I got the vet out to her for a check over and she was sound. Took her off all painkillers and had her until 31 so they can last a long time. I keep mine at home and had no livery cost so an easier choice for me. Sorry your going through this with a horse so young.

 

[NooNoo59]

The vet and I both think this could be a stable fracture which occurred a long time ago, he was with travellers with a short time and was driven and he could have gone over in the cart, he has always carried his tail to one side which when he was vetted at 4 he was sound and the vet thought it was nothing to worry about now I am not so sure. Who knows?!