HELP :( is this the start of arthritis?

weesophz

weesophz

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Fox hasnt always had the best legs, being an ex racer i always expected he'd end up arthritic at some point.

hes always had quite stiff back legs, and over the last year his hock joints have become quite clicky, only in walk though.

Today when i was up i noticed his hock and fetlock joints (only his back legs) were quite warm. He's not lame and doesnt seem to show any pain, and theres no swelling. All thats running through my mind is that he's developing arthritis and its the beginning of the end :(

am i being paranoid, and if its not arthritis, what could it be!
 
Try not to worry that it's the end, there are plenty of young and old people in the world with arthritis and I don't think they would be happy if you told them they all needed putting down! :-)

If you want to be sure if it is arthritis or not then i would have your vet out, if it is the start of arthritis then they can advise you how to manage it (magnetic boots or bandaging when its cold can help).


The clickyness is probably not connected, my boy (also ex-racer) clicks everywhere and vet and physio have confirmed there are no issues. I suppose its like people, we all have our clicks and creaks (I'm sure even Usain Bolt has a few!)

Try not to worry unnecessarily, I'm a worrier too so i know its easier said than done but get a professionals opinion and then go from there.

Maybe bandage for night and see if you notice any difference? (Again not that people are horses but if my muscles are cold then i am a lot stiffer in winter if they aren't kept warm!)

Hope this helps :-)
 
I would get the vet the look if your worried. The vet told me 5 years ago my mare had ringbone and I remember bursting into tears thinking it was the end but she's still going strong and devil claw root herb keeps her well. If I stop that I know the difference.
I would get the vet to look and go from there. May not be
 
My 18yr old mare has just been diagnosed with arthritis, vet suggested cod liver oil and a bute per day, she is perfectly happy on the oil every day and half a bute every other day, still enjoys going for a hack, I have her in a rug at night, off if weather is nice through the day and we will see how she goes, if need be we have plenty of leeway with the bute
 
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