coffin joint fluid/arthritis

[tillyd]

Hello

Does anyone have any experience of this? My horse diagnosed just yesterday by MRI, no boney changes, but fluid round coffin joints. Has to have steroid (cortisone and HA?) injections into joint next week. She is only 8.
The vet called it 'primary arthritis' which I guess is the very early stages? I need to speak to him on Monday as have made a long list of Qs to ask, but in the meantime does anyone have any knowledge/experience of it or the injections? There seems to be some negative stuff about cortisone jabs on the net (though that seems to just be long term use of). Also I have heard of Adequan - does anyone know if this does a different job to the cortisone/HA?

 

[nelliefinellie]

Hi
My horse has just been treated with inflammation of coffin joint - there was excess fluid in the joint, not round it though. She was injected with HA / cortisone into the joint and also given a course of I/M adequan, though my vet wasnt sure if the adequan would do anything, but we just wanted to throw everything at her as she is only 5. She is also on cosequin. There were no bony changes on her x rays but her foot pastern axis was broken back and vet thinks that if we correct this she will be ok. She is now shod with NB shoes.

To answer your question re adequan this is effectively injected chondroitin and so is supposed to help repair damaged cartilage. It works quicker than feed supplements. The HA restores the viscosity in the joint fluid, whereas the cortisone is an anti inflammatory.The effect of the cortisone wears off in 4 - 6 weeks, so its not a long term cure but rids of inflammation in the joint while the cause is tackled. My mare was injected about 5 weeks ago so I'm now holding my breath that she stays sound when the effect of the injections wear off.

I think steroids into the joint are much safer than systemic ones and they only have a tiny amount put into their coffin joints so I think it would be very unlucky to have a reaction. I would def be looking at feeding a glucosamine / chondroitin supplement long term though as this may reduce the need for repeat injections. Hope this helps and good luck!

 

[tillyd]

HI
That is really helpful - thanks. Yes her fluid is in the coffin joint, not round it - that's me getting confused!
I saw the ad for cosequin in h&h today and am going to ask my vet about it - will also ask about adequan tho guess he would have suggested it if he thought helpful.
SHe is having egg bars and expensive pads (she also has sub solar bruising) on next Tues, and then the injections after that. Then I have to do 10 days walk exercise and see how she is. Vet was quite optimistic, but I didn't ask him about over what period of time it would be expected to worsen as I know long term it must be degenerative, though sounds like management is key.
I just have no idea what's caused it - vet suggested concussion, but I just don't do hammering round roads etc, I'm ultra careful, and her conformation is ok tho guess she is a bit upright. Am also putting her on strict diet as sure that can't be doing any of her joints any good! Anyway feel better for your info - let me know how you get on and fingers crossed for your horse.