Kezza
Well-Known Member
This is a post to let others know about the success I have had so far at treating my old ponies hock spavin.
About the patient:
Welsh section C, chunky build, 24 in May, relatively low mileage, mainly done SJ but due to his lively nature spends an awful lot of time sitting back on his hocks bouncing around... always been shod.
Diagnosis:
About 2 years ago, due to sudden braking whilst in a horsebox he got a bit of a knock on the way to a jumping rally and then refused his first ever jump. Next day he was lame in trot, about 5 out of 10. Took him to the vets after he remained virtually the same for 2 days and they x-rayed both hocks and found very slight spavin on one hock so assumed this was the cause.
Treatment:
Enabled him to live out (with access to his stable at night) and fitted raised heels on hinds and started him on NAF Devils Relief (he was already on cortaflex and had been for years as preventative), the Devils Relief did nothing for him in my opinion so I changed to Gold Label Bute Free and saw a difference. Also gave him low dose bute when I felt he needed it.
Outcome:
He went almost 100% sound on flexion tests but then I had never given him a flexion test before so we had no idea if he was ever sound on flexion... Then I felt that he went a bit "off" at times, especially when the ground was hard and I really didn't want to give him bute or danilon and carry on working him as it gives him diarrhea so after almost 18 months since his first set of lameness I reluctantly turned him away. He spent 6 months out of work and I removed his shoes during this time. Then after 6 months I decided to get back on him and hack him a bit and he felt amazing. I carried on for about a month and then got the vet out to see him and do flexion tests and he was 100% sound! We were over the moon. The joint might have fused but of course it could just be the rest and the lameness could return.
Most recent treatment:
Put natural balance shoes on. As a precaution, we decided to give him a shot of Legend HA IV (cost £80) and I started him on a new oral PSGAG supplement called Seraquin (£60 for a months supply). He still has his cortaflex and Bute Free. He is now back out jumping and he feels better than ever, he has the spring back in his step! I am told Legend can last from a month to a year but you can safely give top ups if required.
If anyone would like details of any of these treatments please contact me as I am more than happy to help.
About the patient:
Welsh section C, chunky build, 24 in May, relatively low mileage, mainly done SJ but due to his lively nature spends an awful lot of time sitting back on his hocks bouncing around... always been shod.
Diagnosis:
About 2 years ago, due to sudden braking whilst in a horsebox he got a bit of a knock on the way to a jumping rally and then refused his first ever jump. Next day he was lame in trot, about 5 out of 10. Took him to the vets after he remained virtually the same for 2 days and they x-rayed both hocks and found very slight spavin on one hock so assumed this was the cause.
Treatment:
Enabled him to live out (with access to his stable at night) and fitted raised heels on hinds and started him on NAF Devils Relief (he was already on cortaflex and had been for years as preventative), the Devils Relief did nothing for him in my opinion so I changed to Gold Label Bute Free and saw a difference. Also gave him low dose bute when I felt he needed it.
Outcome:
He went almost 100% sound on flexion tests but then I had never given him a flexion test before so we had no idea if he was ever sound on flexion... Then I felt that he went a bit "off" at times, especially when the ground was hard and I really didn't want to give him bute or danilon and carry on working him as it gives him diarrhea so after almost 18 months since his first set of lameness I reluctantly turned him away. He spent 6 months out of work and I removed his shoes during this time. Then after 6 months I decided to get back on him and hack him a bit and he felt amazing. I carried on for about a month and then got the vet out to see him and do flexion tests and he was 100% sound! We were over the moon. The joint might have fused but of course it could just be the rest and the lameness could return.
Most recent treatment:
Put natural balance shoes on. As a precaution, we decided to give him a shot of Legend HA IV (cost £80) and I started him on a new oral PSGAG supplement called Seraquin (£60 for a months supply). He still has his cortaflex and Bute Free. He is now back out jumping and he feels better than ever, he has the spring back in his step! I am told Legend can last from a month to a year but you can safely give top ups if required.
If anyone would like details of any of these treatments please contact me as I am more than happy to help.
