Here we go again!

[NooNoo59]

So after having arthramid and a gradual return to work, regular bodywork and weight management, he is lame again! Presenting this time on the off side hind, fine on weds lame on Thursday. No heat or swelling. Getting a second opinion on Thursday from a lameness specialist. I have a very bad feeling about this, have had horses like this before where theres nothing obvious but just not right, always has ended badly.

 

[Squeak]

Fingers crossed it might be something really simple like an abscess. It's always so upsetting when they're not right

 

[Sossigpoker]

So after having arthramid and a gradual return to work, regular bodywork and weight management, he is lame again! Presenting this time on the off side hind, fine on weds lame on Thursday. No heat or swelling. Getting a second opinion on Thursday from a lameness specialist. I have a very bad feeling about this, have had horses like this before where theres nothing obvious but just not right, always has ended badly.

Is the lameness where the arthritis is?
This could be something else- abscess , bruise or a strain ?

 

[NooNoo59]

Had him checked over on Friday by an equine bodyworker. All good but tight much lamer after muscles released.

 

[Sossigpoker]

Had him checked over on Friday by an equine bodyworker. All good but tight much lamer after muscles released.

You should really have the vet out to investigate the lameness. Any muscular soreness will be as a result of the lameness, not the cause of it.

Would a bone scan be an option ?

 

[ycbm]

I'm so sorry, how utterly frustrating. Is this lameness rotating around different limbs? Has he been assessed for ESPA?
.

 

[NooNoo59]

Vet coming Thursday. What's espa?!

 

[ycbm]

Vet coming Thursday. What's espa?!

It used to be called Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Disease, DSLD but they realised that it affects the whole body, skin, arteries, muscles. Basically, my understanding is that the normal everyday microdamage that happens through just being alive get filled in with proteoglycans instead of the tissue its supposed to be. Tendons go hard or rupture, wounds are slow to heal, but the most common symptom is recurring lameness in more than one leg.

My friend's horse got a common symptom at 4 and his back legs went straight. I'm afraid he degenerated and was PTS at 7. Another strong symptom is either dropped pasterns or rock hard suspensories.
.

 

[NooNoo59]

So he has PSD in both hinds the near is worse than the off. Different vet picked it up on an xray as it has affected the bone, confirmed with a scan. 6 months minimum no riding, box rest for as long as he will tolerate it and return to work possibly only hacking. He is not even 9 yet, how has this happened? Feel like giving up, how is it that I cherish my horses they have everything they need and more and others just dont bother and there horses stay in work albeit not sound and they just carry on going. To say I am fed up angry upset and need copious amounts of alcohol is an understatement.

 

[Annagain]

Oh no. Poor him and poor you. Fingers crossed he exceeds all expectations.

 

[irishdraft]

That's so upsetting & frustrating it really does get you down . Hoping for the best outcome x

 

[Squeak]

How incredibly unlucky and unfortunate. Have a massive bottle(s) of wine tonight and I really hope he recovers better than expected.

 

[Hormonal Filly]

So sorry to hear this @NooNoo59 ?

If you’re on Facebook the PSD Facebook page is great. My previous horse had PSD (in one hind) he had his nerves cut but I wouldn’t do it again. Lots recover with rest.

To add. I think some of us just have crap luck. ? My last 4 horses all broke before the age of 8, sadly 2 are no longer here . Yet all extremely well cared for and not over worked. My current 5yo is now a bit lame behind (vet due next week) and just feels like it’s happening all over again! It’s so so frustrating.

 

[NooNoo59]

Thanks all, I know I am not on my own and will stick to my beliefs in how horses should be managed and looked after. My instructor has already found one to hack out so that will be nice. Just feel sorry for my boy he is such a lovely soul and has so much to give, I am going to have be very careful not to overspoil him while he is in!

 

[NooNoo59]

So update 6 months on. Vet is happy with progress and we are into week 4 of walking up to 45 mins. Tried trotting yesterday and he just curled up and would not go forward tried again today in the school and he was the same. He is also chucking his head again and weaving about on the road in walk better in the school but only in walk. Going to trot up tomorrow and send video to vet. Anyone had similar experience. Saddle checked

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

It could be remembered pain so might be worth doing some in hand work first so they relax a bit more and don't feel so tense, I would take it very slowly I always rehab much longer than vets recommend.

Or ulcers after a lameness issue it can happen unfortunately.

 

[NooNoo59]

He has also been tripping in front he has been field rested in restricted space for 6 months. He just seems agitated when ridden and after about 15 minutes keeps shaking his head and chewing his bit He is just not settled this is hacking walking in the school he is fine

 

[Annagain]

Have you tried taking him out in hand or long reining? Does he do the same without a rider/ saddle? I know you said saddle had been checked but always worth a second look if they're changing shape once back in work - even walk can deliver big changes.

 

[NooNoo59]

Hand walking is a bit of a problem as I have a bad knee ATM. Think probably we need to walk for a bit longer before we try trotting again. He felt better this morning

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I would just carry on walking for now if his happy then just try very short trots like just a few strides.

 

[Barton Bounty]

I would say the same as pink. Just try very short strides at trot , like about 8/10 seconds maximum