hind leg lameness in 23yr old dales

[dukesmum]

My dear old boy who has a list of ailments now he is old now has a swollen nearside hind leg between the hock and the fetlock. There is heat and pain he is lame and is not keen on having it examined. It has been hosed and bandaged for support. He has age on set navicular severe which retired him at the end of Feb. He has bone spavins, COPD, stomach ulcers so cannot have NSAIDS and now this lameness. What can this be? There is no point of injury, no cuts or kicks. When the vet came and diagnosed his navicular she said he will only go down hill from now on and it may be quite quick. I am a aware that I have to take things day by day with him and if he is still bad tomorrow then the vet will come out to see him about his leg but I guess I am a bit scared that the vet will say that is it. Which of course if that is what is best for him then so be it. I am frightened that he has done a tendon, is this likely this ground is unforgiving at the moment, he is turned out 24hrs a day he has hay at night and a buckek of readigrass with apples to account for the lack of grass growth at the moment. Your thoughts greatly appreciated thanks.

 

[lizzi2]

Poor thing!
Could be lots of different things - they can so easily twist or knock themselves, and if he's already got some other ailments, probably easy to flare up. Before doing any really final, you can always get a 2nd opinion by another vet.
Know not all believe in natural therapies, but as my horse has benefited in past, I'm happy to recommend them. Some vets are specialists in natural therapies, and sometimes complementary therapies can make a huge difference, when used by experienced practicioners. So if your vet doesn't do other treatments, could be worth getting an opinion from another specialist vet.
good luck