Coffin Joint Arthritis

[Justine834]

My 14.2 Haflinger was diagnosed with coffin joint arthritis about a year ago. The Vet recommended steroid injections. He had these just under a year ago and I was told they would need to be repeated every so often, it could have been 6 months it could be 3 years it depended on him. After having the injections he was off work for a while and I have only recently bought him back into work (walking mainly). I wasnt able to ride but have just started after 2 months of walking him on a leadrope, however i only ride for about 10 mins a day to start with. unfortunately he has gained alot of weight and i am now having to stable him during the day to try and get the extra weight off. This is a problem though as in the last two days he has come out of the stable noticably lame. Once he has warmed up though he is absolutely fine, and i think its where he gets stiff. I've been told magnectic boots may help but i wanted some views on them from people who have tried them or people who have been in similar situations with their horses (arthritis etc). I just wanted some ideas as im at a loss of what to do

 

[DollyDolls]

Has your vet advised IRAP? It's got really good results.

Mine was diagnosed with CJA too in March, but then kept getting worse. More tests have revealed a torn DDFT. Best to get the hoof looked at again and possibly more nerve blocks/x-rays/mri.

 

[PurplePickle]

it seems that if a horse is out of work this is where things start to go wrong after the injections, I know of a few people whove had them then the horse has been off for a significant time and needed them again

weight wont help, is he on any supplements for the arthritis? might be worth a try also bioflow wraps seem to be the best ones.


My horse has been initially diagnosed with arthritis in the hocks, so we are looking at the hyonate? i think it injections.

 

[Izzwizz]

If you think its to do with stiffness then could he go out with a muzzle to limit the grass he eats? That way he would stay mobile which would be better for him and at least keep him a little exercised.

 

[JanetGeorge]

My 17hh RID stallion was diagnosed with this condition 3 years ago (aged 16) and had a steroid injected into the joint which helped a bit. I am a strong believer in working horses with arthritic conditions, and put him on 2 Danilon a day to keep him comfortable in light work, plus Riaflex Complete joint supplement!

3 years on he is ridden every day, is covering mares regularly,and is sound without the Danilon. He is still on the Riaflex Complete and Cider Vinegar The first 6 months after diagnosis he only did walking exercise on the roads. Now he goes into the forest, and bronks happily up hill and down dale!

 

[Justine834]

Thanks for all the great advice, unfortunately the vet had recommended another injection .

Izzwizz: He had a grazing muzzle on and it wasnt helping alot so now he has to be in of a day and out at night with one on

Summerleft: I shall keep in mind to start excercising him as soon as possible after this next injection =] also he is on Cortaflex and Cider vinegar. I am going to try tumeric as well though as i've heard thats very good for arthritis

DollyDolls: No he hasn't but im curious what is IRAP?

 

[GMR]

My horse was diagnosed with this condition in the coffin joint too , 2 and a half weeks ago, I had the joint injected and have to wait till the end of the week to see if its worked..
I am really worried its not worked as not sure what's next for him.

No one has mentioned IWRAP to me either..is it very expensive , and is it very new? as mine probably won't be covered on insurance.