Not Quite Right?

[Squirrelwood]

Hi,

I am a newbie here so will try to keep things short but hope that you might all be able to help me clear my head.

Quick précis. Horse was working medium level dressage 3 years ago. Went lazy in the school and some movements became difficult to ride. Diagnosed with PSD and had neurectomy and fasciotomy operation. Took things very slowly bringing him back into work but ridden symptoms never really improved. Had left hock medicated 2 years ago. Didn't make much difference.

Over the last 2 years he has taken a back seat while I have had a family. Has done 99% hacking and been ok but still struggles going down slopes. Recently I have started going in the school again for 20 minutes. Nothing difficult, just WT&C on both reins. All the symptoms from the past are still there. Absolutely no enthusiasm and turns his quarters in on left rein.

Vet has had a quick look at him and thinks there is still discomfort in hind legs, either hocks or suspensories still.

Anyway, (sorry I was trying to keep this short), what I need advice for is this. Should I put him through another lameness work up and possibly medicate hocks or find more issues with the suspensory or should I just retire him from schooling and hack?

Obviously insurance will not cover but I am happy to spend the money investigating if I might be able to make him more comfortable.

When he is hacking he is like my old horse. I have to stop him doing medium trot everywhere! He is better on firmer ground than soft going (which makes me question hocks?).

He is only 11 and such a poppet I just want to do the right thing by him. He will always have a home with me. I am just struggling with what to ask of him for the future...

Well done if you have reached the end of this post! All advice gratefully received.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Really the best thing to do is to discuss the options fully with your Vet. It does sound like he copes with hacking with no trouble and the better on firm does suggest possibly tendon/ligament problem. So straight line work on firm ground is fine, but turns on a surface are not OK? If something can be done to help him, it would be nice to identify the problem and treat it.

So after that garble... I still think that you should have a serious discussion with the Vet and refer him for a lameness work up if you decide that's the way forward.

 

[Pinkvboots]

I think as his 11 it would be worth another lameness work up even if he is only able to hack he then has a job and they are best of doing something if they can.

I have a similar problem my mare is 13 and has done two tendons in the last two years been lame on and off, and its now to a point where she is lame more than sound so I am getting it looked into again as there is no evidence of any more fresh tendon injuries, I would prefer her to at least be a light hack rather than a field ornament and if she cant then so be it but I think its worth looking into.