Joint supplements for the older arthritic horse - or just bute?

[porkpie]

Ok - so I have my lovely 20 year old TB x mare who in 2009 was diagnosed with spavin in both hocks then in 2010 with more arthritic changes in her off fore pastern. Since then shes become a happy hacker, having a little bit of bute as and when shes felt uncomfortable.

In the last few months though its clear there is something going on in her near hind pastern - hard lumps similar to sidebone having formed. I'm assuming its something like that and almost certainly arthritic. Shes been just fine in walk and is still desperate to go out for hacks, hating being left behind, so shes had the odd little bimble round the block now and again. However shes not been sound in trot or canter and this weekend after picking her feet out she was very lame on that joint. So, I'm getting the vet out to see what they suggest - probably bute to keep her comfortable, and unfortunately even her little bimbles will no doubt be at an end.

My question is though, is it too late to give any kind of joint supplement? I used to have her on one (Superflex) but frankly never noticed any difference and it felt like money down the drain, so I stopped. Now I wonder if it might help, or is it to late with the changes already having happened? Any thoughts, pearls of wisdom please people?

I've no problem with giving her bute as and when required, or with her becoming a field ornament (although she won't be happy - poor thing) but if anyone else has any other suggestions, I'm very happy to listen.

Thanks!

 

[3OldPonies]

From experience (1 with spavins and 1 with pelvic issues) I don't think there's much that can be done once any bony changes have formed. All that I've been able to manage is pain relief - don't worry too much about her little bimbles - once you get some pain relief sorted out, and it can take a while to sort out what is right for your horse, she'll be much better off if she can take a few simple excursions now and again. Depending on what is happening in the joint you may be able to go for short plods or walks in hand to keep the rest of her joints moving. My old chap (35+) loves his walks out, which is slightly odd cos he used to hate going out when he was younger!!!

I hope very much that there is nothing too amiss with your horse and that you get things sorted for her.