Bone spavin improving???

[noblesteed]

Hi all.
My gelding was diagnosed via xrays with spavin in both hocks in January this year. Vet said it was 'moderately bad' - it showed bone spurs etc. He had steroid injections there and then which gave some relief for a few months until he went downhill again. He had a second set of injections in July. However since then he's been getting better and better. He's always had 'stiffness' behind but lately he has had a new lease of life and even started GALLOPING when we're out hacking (he's a laid-back sort and doesn't like to hurry). He has never been so lively, happy and forward-going as he is at the moment in the 6 years I have owned him (he's 15).
He's not having any type of supplement at the moment other than rosehips for his feet - though I used turmeric in summer until he decided he didn't like the taste.
Not wanting to be too optimistic as the vet gave me quite a miserable prgnosis for him so I wondered if anyone has experienced spavin improving like this? And could he be reaching the point of 'fusion'? He's been worked through it and hacked out 3-4 times a week all through his treatment.

His insurance claim runs out at the end of the year so I also need to decide whether to have any further treatment but I don't see any point if he's doing so well...

 

[Red-1]

Hi,

My first pony had a bone spavin, the treatment at the time (1982) was to pin fire and blister, which was horrible. It also did not work. HOWEVER a year off, turned out, followed by a year light hacking, made him completely sound for the next 10 years! This included jumping and everything, in moderation. We finally lost him at well the wrong side of 30, to Melanomas, which had migrated (not literally, but you know what I mean) throughout his body. He did not even appear stiff behind, he was like a spring chicken.