Hock Arthritis

[Tbear]

Hi,

I am in great need of some advice please. My 12 year old cob has just been diagnosed with Hock arthritis in one of his back legs. The vet said there was a lot calcification and degenerative arthritis. I have owned him for 4 years and has never shown any signs of lameness etc. I have him as a happy hack and dont do anything too adventurous on him. The vet said because I have him as a pleasure ride he should be fine so he said walk him 3 times a week and if ok can try trot etc. He is actually overweight which I am currently working on weighing hay and no treats etc. He said couldnt give steroids due to his weight and to give hims some bute when he is having a bad day or maybe riding. Thing is he never shows signs of pain often trotting around his field and generally happy (Unless he hides it well) I would welcome any advice regarding supplements (Vet said no proof they re any good!) I am beside myself with worry. Thankyou so much!

 

[be positive]

He is probably pretty stoic and doing the job you want him for the lameness has not been obvious, it can be hard to see hind limb lameness, especially when it is slowly progressing, if you are mainly going in straight lines, the horse and rider tend to become a little wonky to compensate so it feels and looks normal.
I would not be too concerned about the arthritis but would really work on getting his weight down, you know it needs doing so think of any way you can get him taking less calories and having more, obviously not too much at this stage, exercise, if he seems a bit stiff get the bute into him so he can do more rather than cutting down the work thinking it is not right to give him anti inflamatories, they will make him more comfortable and encourage movement.
As well as weighing the hay soak it to reduce the sugars, that can make a huge difference, be really tough and honest with how much he is eating in the field, with arthritis he is best out as much as possible moving about so think of making a track so he has more room to move but less grass to eat, if you can do some in hand work that may be useful to increase his exercise without too much strain.

Getting a good physio out to give you some targeted exercises may be more beneficial than a supplement, once he is a better weight you can then look at injections if the vet thinks they are appropriate.

 

[Tbear]

He is probably pretty stoic and doing the job you want him for the lameness has not been obvious, it can be hard to see hind limb lameness, especially when it is slowly progressing, if you are mainly going in straight lines, the horse and rider tend to become a little wonky to compensate so it feels and looks normal.
I would not be too concerned about the arthritis but would really work on getting his weight down, you know it needs doing so think of any way you can get him taking less calories and having more, obviously not too much at this stage, exercise, if he seems a bit stiff get the bute into him so he can do more rather than cutting down the work thinking it is not right to give him anti inflamatories, they will make him more comfortable and encourage movement.
As well as weighing the hay soak it to reduce the sugars, that can make a huge difference, be really tough and honest with how much he is eating in the field, with arthritis he is best out as much as possible moving about so think of making a track so he has more room to move but less grass to eat, if you can do some in hand work that may be useful to increase his exercise without too much strain.

Getting a good physio out to give you some targeted exercises may be more beneficial than a supplement, once he is a better weight you can then look at injections if the vet thinks they are appropriate.

Hi Thank you so much for your reply and Im sorry its taken me a while to reply! Update... He is slowly losing weight and we are exercising 40 mins 3 times a week (Vets advice) we have started having a little trot and he has felt better than he has for a long time! He is suppose to be on 9kg in 24hrs, I give him 5 at night and a small feed morning and evening including a balancer. I give the bute on the days I ride. I am soaking with slow feeders but still worry he is being left with no forage for a good part of the night. He only did one poo yesterday whilst out in field so im worrying about his fibre intake! Worry is all I do lol!!

 

[ycbm]

I would put him on Devils Claw, there is plenty of evidence that it is very effective in controlling arthritic pain and inflammation.


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[holeymoley]

What made you get him checked?

I believe my guy has the start of hock arthritis as he is 18. It could just be that I’m expecting it due to age though. He’s not lame at all, and has a very floaty active trot when asked. He’s just a bit creaky to begin with coming out his stable.

 

[Tbear]

What made you get him checked?

I believe my guy has the start of hock arthritis as he is 18. It could just be that I’m expecting it due to age though. He’s not lame at all, and has a very floaty active trot when asked. He’s just a bit creaky to begin with coming out his stable.

Hi, his hock was slightly bigger than the other. I got a saddle fitter out and was in the process of trying out a new saddle, first time out in it he just didn't feel right, thought it was just me anyway second time he seemed to have a very short trot. I took him back and put him on lunge and realised he was slightly lame on his back leg. Rang vet and he did flexion test and confirmed lameness. He said I could put him on bute for 2 weeks and see or have an xray. I opted for xray as I wanted to know what I was dealing with. He confirmed the arthritis but said couldn't inject his hock due to his weight. So that's where we are now! He is going really well and find he is much better when turned out and weather is also much warmer now. Only on bute days I ride and touch wood he is doing really well. Good luck!!