Lameness after joint flush

[paddi22]

A horse here recently got a thorn in its hock bursa and was sent for joint flush 27th dec. Its back on yard for rehab and box rest/handwalking/bandage changes. Vets very happy with how op went and that it was caught early.
However horse is still not comfortable putting weight on the leg. different vets have been every two days changing bandages, and their reactions vary from 'needs another flush' to 'its natural to be sore for weeks after it as joint seals'. horse is a chestnut mare drama queen at best of times, so shes not stoic anyways. so I really don't know what to think.

has anyone had a hock joint flush? and what was the lameness like afterwards.? vets advice seems to be vary from weeks to 'she should be sound by now'

 

[santas_spotty_pony]

Any injury that is joint related - especially one which is causing lameness would be a red flag for me - I would be getting a second opinion and wanting it looking at … even a tiny splinter left in would be enough to be aggravating the joint.

 

[TheMule]

Have they tapped the joint to see if it is still infected? I'd want some pretty urgent action TBH, even if it's just more effective pain relief that is needed

 

[paddi22]

they are happy joint is clean, that everything came out. horse showing no heat or swelling in leg. no temp increase at all. they are happy there is no infection, just one of the vets saying horse should be sounder at this stage. other vets disagreeing.

 

[santas_spotty_pony]

The fact he is lame on it suggests something isn’t quite right with it. Joints aren’t to be messed with - it isn’t something that you can get wrong. I’d still be going for a second opinion based on the fact he’s still not sound.

 

[paddi22]

horse much sounder today luckily! had new vet out who said the soreness was due to the wound sealing and fluid trapped inside causing pressure, that would have been quite sore for her. the sealing took slightly longer than normal so whole process was delayed a bit. the fluid has dissipated today and horse is on the mend and walking well. im more optimistic now.