Hock arthroscopy

[GrecianDawn]

As my last thread died, starting a new one. My 10yo had boggy hock and vet said he has osteochondrosis, but no bone chips, joint mice or whatever you call floating parts inside the joint. His tibiotarsal or tarsocrural joint is the problem. Before injections, vet said joint is completely dry, no fluid. Vet said no need for surgery right now. But he has ugly boggy hock and it upsets me, plus not knowing how long will injection last. Please help me out. Should I get him through surgery(it is a 300km drive to get there) and rehab or wait and see? Horse is used to being outside and is quite spooky and playful, and over 17.3hh. I don’t know what to do, but want to do what is best for him!

 

[BronsonNutter]

Ask your vet about stem cells (articell forte) if he has osteochondrosis without any visible arthritic changes. However, if you’re 300km away from a referral hospital I’m imagining you’re not in the UK - not sure on availability outside of UK!

 

[GrecianDawn]

I’m not from the UK, you are right! But I think stem cells are an option, I’ve heard people doing it for tendons and ligaments to heal! No, no arthritis, and it is strange because I thought horses usually struggle with lower hock joints, never upper hock! :/