Lanky has OCD

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LankyDoodle

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They are going to do the anthroscopy or whatever it's called to look for any cartilage damage (meniscus), but the Xrays have now been looked at by a top Orthopaedic surgeon at Liphook (where the vet from Western Counties used to work), and they are in agreement that he has OCD in both stifles, worse on the lame side.

They want to go in and operate right away, forget about the box rest and anti-inflammatories for 3 weeks, as with it being OCD it will only get worse. So they're going to shove the camera in to have a look round, then operate on the affected joints, subject to agreement from my insurers. So erm, yeh, 2 uninsurable back legs at the age of 8. Great.

I have no idea what the prognosis for this is. I've done some googling and read that only 70% come sound enough to be ridden again, particularly where there has been cartilage damage as well. I'm in a state of shock.

This meniscus damage is the thing bothering them most, as that could prove difficult to combat; but with the OCD in both stifles, how likely is it that he will ever be sound, even just enough to do light hacking?

Gutted is just not the word now.

I have been particularly unimpressed with WC Equine Clinic actually. Everything is as clear as mud with them and to be honest, I'd have been better off asking my postman for an explanation of what this means for all the help the guy has been. I am pleased with how fast they are working, but I wish they'd slow down enough for me to actually give permission for them to operate - the implication seems to be that I will let it happen regardless.
 
which vet is it? why not give them a ring and ask them to really explain it and say you're a bit overwelmed by it all. i've found with them they tend to go at their own speed until you actually stop them and ask them to explain. i know the partners are v busy though but its worth a try if you're worried they normally want to help
 
Yes, I've spoken to him a few times and the last time I spoke to him, I said to him I really didn't understand what he was saying to me and what it all meant, and then he started talking at 5000 miles per hour about surgery and this guy Tim from Liphook who will come and do the surgery and how important the surgery is etc. I guess I am just a bit shell-shocked. I am trying to get through to my normal vet at Mount Vets, who is very good at explaining things and answering questions with answers, not more questions.

The vet up there that's doing this, is David. The one at the very bottom, who looks like a Blue Peter presenter.
http://www.westerncountiesequineclinic.co.uk/team/the-vets.php

I just don't know what to do. If this is as severe as he's making out, what is the point operating?
 
Oh yeah i know Dave he was quite realistic about my horse's ulcers but he specialises in that kind of thing. don't be afraid to ask for one of the partners to look at the case, i know i had at least 3 of the vets chipping in with my horse. Andrew and chris can be quite blunt and straight to the point but that could be what you need. Good luck i hope you can sort it all out and try not to let them roll on with expensive treatment you're not happy with, tell them you can't pay if you have to and they'll soon slow down
 
No advice for you hun, but sending *vibes*

Tim from Liphook is fab! He operated on my horses eye a few years ago - to remove a sarcoid which was growing inside the eyelid. He did a brilliant job, left no scarring, and was very reassuring throughout. So if he's operating on Lanky, I'd say you have no (ok, minimal!) worries.

Thinking of you x
 
first make sure you have told insurance company. next phone vets and ask them to go through this on idiots terms i understqnd nothing!! pros for op. cons for op? expectancy? often with miniscus damage to joints they hoover off the crap and joint is fine. magnets an glucosominehelp. cod liver oil? and rest 6 to 12 months also offer hope as the crap in joint settles.depends on yiour insurance, when its due and when they slap the exclusion on?
 
My insurer has to honour the claim from this year for up to 12 months after this year's policy ends and next year's begins (which is in October), so I have no concerns about that at all. I know they will cover the vets fees from this claim. I need to get permission for the surgery.

The vet last night said it could take weeks for him to come sound or it could take months. I'm cautious of him ever being declared sound because of the story told to me above (him possibly going lame again). The vet has said to me, though, that with this, he is likely to go lame again on and off throughout his life sadly. I have to give him a chance, though, and want to know how bad this is. So long as the vets fees are covered to a degree, we are happy, but it would be a bit of a wrench if they then wouldn't pay out on death of the animal as we paid 3k for him (he was worth more but we bought him from friends) and have him insured for that. I am now concerned that he will be declared sound 3 months after the op and a further 3 months on he will go lame again, need PTS and we won't be able to get another horse as we won't have the money (although whether I will want one then is another thing entirely - new baby and the bitterness of losing two wonderful horses in 18 months? I don't think so!).

My insurer knows about the lameness and investigations; but I am just waiting on a written quote for the surgery and will ask them about that.
 
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