Pidge diagnosis - Hock Spavin - good or bad news?

Oh honey, the spavin isn't the end of the world honestly, most likely Pidge will be fine. Just blooming bad timing of his!

Marco came through it (& if he can go lame he will, he is such a big lad he is disposed to problems) & he is going so well now - came 7th in his first Novice dressage yesterday, we're so proud of him!

Two things really helped him - great farrier who put wedges under his hind heels, made such a difference, took some strain off his hocks I think, and Rachel Cox, the osteo that Patches mentioned, he was bouncing after she treated him! We've had other physios etc but she really did help.

Also you do have to keep him in work, will be better for him, if Marco has a few days off he does stiffen up so we try to keep him in as much work as we can. And we are careful about the ground he goes on, wouldn't canter or jump on hard ground, mostly because he does have such a tendency to go lame.

Big hug to you, & all the best from Marco to Pidge.
 
OH was exactly the same when Big M went lame last year. Thought he would never be able to ride him more than a hack in walk at best. So devastated.
We were preparing to retire him and started looking for another horse, but Marco did turn a corner & although it took months of walking work & fittening, he has come through it.
 
I think that has more to do with the timing Sue, than Pidge's diagnosis. It's an emotional, fragile time for you and I can thoroughly understand why you feel the way that you do.

I cried when I had Patches diagnosis. Had three duff horses before her and thought how cruel it was that I'd finally got a decent horse to enjoy and she was diagnosed with this. First couple of weeks I watched her movement like a hawk, worrying about whether she looked sound or not. Then I realised that I should be enjoying the time I have under saddle with her, not wallowing in self pity and worrying about what may or may not be in years to come.

I did the Kelsall Hill Sport Endurance ride just over a week ago. She finished the ride sound and was 100% sound the next day. The vet has cleared her for low level endurance too (50 mile, 1 day rides), so seriously it can't be seen as THAT bad.

Spavin doesn't mean retirement. Trust me, I read enough and I spoke to more than one professional on the subject.

Rachel Cox is based in Nantwich, but I'm sure she'd come your way. Can't remember where Butterbean lives, but I do know that Rachel travels. She's not overly expensive either. If you want some details, I can pm you (should it be working now).

Back pain and spavin do go hand in hand though. Quite often the stiffness through the hocks makes them carry themselves awkwardly and not swing though properly. Anyone ever said he looks "tight behind the saddle"?
 
thanks Patches and Butterbean. Had an awful nights sleep very disturbed! Don't think the timing could have been worse! so yes am feeling more fragile than normal
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So need to chat to farrier as well as vet. Can you please PM me Rachel's no? Yes Pidge often has comments about being tense through the back on his dressage sheets. He also can be a bit stiff inf left in for a while but always put this down to his stringhalt.
 
Sorry to hear this hun, but i have some good news for you (or at least i hope it will make you feel better)

My lad was diagnosed with spavin in the hocks 18 months ago, we thought that because he couldnt walk we would lose him or at the very best he would never be ridden again.

I had xrays, nerve blocks, cortizone injections in both his hocks, he was on bute etc etc and with the help and support of my vet and just taking things slow he improved.

I am pleased to say that Indi is back in full work now and is 100% sound! he does have bad days but so far the good out weigh the bad!
 
thanks rockchick
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so Indi had it really bad then? Just got to take one day at a time then with Pidge and see how he progresses.
Just think timing was crap and I came on today as well
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Am feeling a bit more rational tonight though.
 
Indi has the 3rd joints in both his hocks fused through natural degeneration and although hes been through hell and back im pleased to say were managing it.

Just keep positive, i know its hard and heartbreaking but with hope you will get through it xxx
 
I have some news that may make you feel a bit better too. Amber had to have an op for a bog spavin (she needed a bone fragment removed) and has OCD (ostio something or other- basically oastiarthriutus I think) and she has just turned 4.

The vet is confident she will make a full recovery and after box rest can start being worked/backed gradually and will make a great allrounder.

Big hugs for you and Pidge
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