Cortisol Injections

[Sasal83]

I had the physio out to my 18 year old TB the other day as he has been getting increasingly stiff and unable to work properly. He had a shattered hock as a 4 year old so I always knew arthritis was inevitable. He has been on Cortaflex, No Bute and Cod Liver oil forever!
Any way he compensates for his hock by holding tension in his back and we are now at a point where this is giving way.

The physio has said that the only real option for him to remain in work is to inject the hocks and stifle, even routine physio won't help and if we do nothing is will be unridable, which he would hate and the only option then would be to have him put down.
I would be really grateful for opinions on injecting the joints along with the costs involved and I can see it being a long process which isn't covered by insurance!! The vet is coming out next week to have a look at him and he is seriously lame behind at the moment and toe dragging.

I am also looking to get his saddle changed, he is currently in a basic wintec any ideas on the best type for him to help reduce the pressure at the back of the saddle area? I'm going to put a prolite on to help.

Any thoughts / advice would be great!

 

[L&M]

Mine had steroid injections in both hocks for spavin. The horse was back in light work only a few days after and was covered by his insurance. I can't remember the exact bill, but am sure it was under £500 including x rays etc.

However, a word of warning! My lad the got a joint infection from the treatment which then cost £900 as he had to stay in hospital for 8 days - again the insurance company paid up, and fortunately the horse is back in full work and sound, but has certainly put me off joint injections in the future!