bone spavin

[helenscott]

Has anyone had their horse's bone spavin treated with an injection of ethyl alcohol to fuse the joint?

It's a treatment which has been pioneered in the USA, but I'm being offered it here, and would like to know people's experience of it.

 

[jessicaamy88]

I have had steroid injections in my mares hock but thats it. I would be interested to know the outcome if you go ahead with it though. keep me updated pls

 

[aran]

It is apparently a relatively pain free way of encouraging the joints to fuse. When aran was diagnosed and we decided that the only option was fusion we looked at chemical and surgical options. At that time the only chemical options were all very painfull and so we opted for surgical. If ethyl alcohol was an option I would have probably looked it to it as first choice. I'd only do it with a very experienced vet though and with a lot of follow up. Is it being offered as part of a research trial?

 

[helenscott]

My vet has just begun a trial. The first couple are showing encouraging results, but fusing doesn't happen until between four and 12 months.
The North American vets have had a lot of success with it, but my vet wants to do a number and record how successful it is.

I've decided to wait, use steroids for next year's event season and have it done in the Autumn if he feels results are good.

 

[arwenplusone]

I have PM'd you.

My mare has just been offerred this & I am going to go for it!
will keep you posted.