Help needed with arthritis problem

jeanettewhiston

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18 September 2009
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Hi this is my first post on here so just hoping someone may be able to help as i am getting so worked up with my vets!!

Got a pony who is 20 and we have had him for 13 years so we know him very well! Last sat in the morning he was really quiet but didn't think to much of it as he looked ok and was eating fine. Went back early afternoon and he was showing clear signs of colic and his stomach was really tucked up so called the vet straight away and she treated for this. Kept him in overnight and the next day but he was going crazy in his stable as he has been out all summer 24/7 so turned him back out and he settled down and was eating and drinking (and pooing) like normal.
Since then his stomach is still really tucked up and his stomach is dropping towards the floor. in the last 2 days he has been swelling around his stifle. He has had blood test and all came back clear so the vet has said it must be his arthritis causing him problems as the vet diagnosed this 12 years ago but since then we have seen nothing more of the problem he was ridden again and has been fine.
I can not see how this could be linked as he is not been lame no heat or swelling in the hock and he has been out walking round 24/7 and is rugged at night he also has not been ridden for ages as he is only 14hh and i am too big for him. He lived out all last winter in some really cold weather and was fine but all of a sudden he seems to have had colic and not recovered.
I do get the feeling that i am wasting my vets time and because he is an old horse they are putting it down to this and want him on bute.
I have a gut feeling that he is not right and wondered if anyone else had seen these problems in a horse with arthritis in the hock?
confused.gif
 
I have been looking on line today and they have been saying if the bones have fused together then this should be a good thing and no more pain and this happened 10 years ago and nothing has happened since!
I have a whole load of questions to ask my vet so hopefully he will call me back tonight.
I'm confused as he is not lame and no swelling or heat.
Horses.......!!
 
Have your vets tested for cushings at all?

My yardowner's pony has just been diagnosed with this after he had a bizarre colic-like episode and swollen sheath and legs. Admittedly he is on box rest for laminitis but your discription of the colicy symptons sound vaguely similar.

His liver function is low too but I don't know how much that influenced his tummy and swelling.

I hope you get your chap back on his feet again soon!
 
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