lameness following joint injection??

[Santa_Claus]

Ok well my old pony that I still own but is back at home with my mum had been getting stiff, he wasn't lame (not even 1/10th) but was noticeably stiff behind. (ex JA 18yo who never had greatest conformation so not huge surprise)

Vet came took xrays diagnosed significant bone spavins in both hocks (one worse than other) and that only viable treatment was steroid injections into the joint. Ok fair enough to this point but then it goes a little odd....

Injections done but vet makes no recommendations for box rest simply dresses it. I being in England not present. Pony then once sedation worn off put out in small paddock. Few hours later he rolls then can't get up (hmm wonder why!!), vet attends says common for them to be stiff, gives some bute and leaves it at that.

It is now 3 weeks later and poor pony is now significantly sound about 5-6 tenths from what I am told. I.e noticeable in walk and almost hopping in trot!

Vet been again today and says flexion range was improved and that it looks like it is windgalls causing lameness. Windgalls that he has had for years.

Vet given bute and advised to poultice with hot Kaolin poultice the fetlock which I felt was interesting to say the least as I think the only reason the fetlock is swollen is because of the additional pressure placed on it from not weight bearing correctly due to the hock lameness.

Personally with the sudden onset of lameness I think that the vet has caused the joint fluid to be released/damaged out of the joint in the leg on which he is now very lame. It is too long for a joint infection as would have been crippled far earlier.

Any opinions on the above?? I have told my mum to get a second opinion but that is a bit problematical in itself due to the limited number of equine vets in the Island. (3 vet practices total) and the fact that vet who has been seeing him is one of the most respected in the island so if she did she would be putting several noses out of joint although obviously the welfare of pony comes first.

any ideas appreciated as unfortunately not as simple as simply sending him to a specialist equine hospital as they don't exist on the island and would cost small fortune (which insurance won't cover due to age) to send him over to england.

 

[L&M]

Has your vet considered it may be a joint infection from site where the steroid was injected?
My cob receieved steroid injections for spavin 2 yrs ago, and had 3 days box rest after. As he was sound, I was then advised to turn him out and continue work. 3 weeks after the injections he went hopping lame on the leg that had been injected and spent the next 9 days at the vets on a iv drip!
Joint infections are very serious and if not tackled asap can cause untold damage.
One of the risks of joint injections is infection so please get your vet out again of get a second opinion.

 

[Dressagebabe]

I agree with Sidney, it could be possible he has an infection brewing! this is quite serious if it is a joint infection. Did who ever was there at the time actually see the synovial fluid spirt out of the joint from the needle end? Did the Vet shave the leg and scrub up dramatically with hibiscrub or another scrub liquid before administering the needle, wear gloves, dress the area immediately after removing the needle. Did they then give anti-biotics I.M. straight after?

 

[Santa_Claus]

I am gonig from second hand info via my mum as I haven't been home since xmas.

on the day he was sedated injection sites clipped, the steroids injected (joint fluid drawn from joint first then back in!) the injection sites then dressed and that was it from what my mum has said. Although she is horsey (had horses all her life) she is a bit clueless with these sorts of procedures as been previously lucky with horses that didn't break!!

Others who I have asked have all discountde a joint infection due to the length of time involved (over 2 weeks from time of injection until showing current level of lameness).

I am pushing her for a 2nd opinion but she is severely restricted as he is being treated by chief equine vet in our practice as it is so would basically involve going to the other main practice on the island which would have long term implications...

I'm just still in shock by the no box rest and also apparently vet commented 'oh I had one horse back out competing in dressage 3 days later' that had my jaw on the floor, firstly due to the impact on the joint and secondly said horse would be competing under the effects of a banned substance!!!!!

 

[Nudibranch]

Wow, this made worrying reading, my little old pony is possibly due for the same treatment in a few weeks, though tbh I am wondering if it is going to be worth it when she's well into retirement anyway. It does sound rather worrying, I hope it gets sorted and he recovers well - I would definitely push for a second opinion no matter what, this just doesn't sound right. Keep us posted!

 

[Santa_Claus]

99% of the time steroid joint injections go without a problem. Dan has had them twice without incident and i know a lot of other horses who have had them almost routinely for various conditions.

My most worrying aspect to my pony's treatment was the lack of aftercare (i.e. box rest advice) unfortunately i didn't find out about that until it was too late he had been turned out and seized up

Will just have to continue to bug my mum...

 

[Happytohack]

My first thought would be that the vet has inadvertently introduced an infection into the joint via the injection site. My mare had joint injections into the coffin joint last year and the vet was meticulous about clipping and cleaning the site and keeping all equipment sterile. In my mare's case she was able to go out the next day with the injection site dressed. She was allowed out as she is an extremely quiet horse. My friend's Arab had the exact thing as your pony. After his injections he was supposed to be on box rest, but in reality would have done himself more harm than good so was allowed out in a very small area for 3 days and then this was gradually increased.