Juvenile hock arthritis experiences? (+ x-rays)

[SoundTheBugle]

My rising 5 year old Duke went in for a hind lameness work up today and x-rays have shown significant arthritic changes in his left hock


Any (ideally positive) experiences with arthritis in such a young horse? What treatments and supplements have worked/not worked for you? What sort of working lives have your horses had? Duke's been given a steroid injection to start and see how we go from there.

 

[lottiepony]

I had a 8 year old cob who was diagnosed with arthritis in both hocks (at that age). He's had them medicated twice in 3 years and 'touch wood' he's leading a very normal life. He's no world beater but enjoys all manor activities including jumping etc. He's on loan with a friend who always does bear it in mind with what she is doing - thinking ground condition wise etc and he lives out 24/7 which I think suits him. I think a lot depends on what you demand from them in terms of ridden work.

 

[SEL]

If steroids don't give you the result you want then arthramid gel was really, really helpful with mine (diagnosed at 6 after doing literally nothing with her life). She has gone on to break elsewhere, but I know the gel is still working 14 months later because the farrier can trim her back hooves without taking his life into his hands.