Pony is going for a work up tomorrow (worried)

[I don’t like mondays]

Hi All
Our lovely pony is off to the horspital tomorrow for a work up. He’s an older chap but is short behind in trot before he warms up and the past few weeks has been noticeably toe dragging in walk. I’m thinking it’s hock arthritis but will know more tomorrow. I’m worried sick if I’m honest. I lost my (young) horse last year to various ortho issues that couldn’t be fixed. He’s an older chap but a total gem and I want to make sure he’s ok. We’ve not had him that long and him and my daughter were just getting started and looking forward to the summer (low level shows, little cross poles, Forrest rides etc). If it’s hocks are injections (or other things they can inject) successful generally? Even in an older pony? He’s been great this winter but got worse recently (not in loads of work)
Thanks

 

[spotty_pony]

Hope everything goes ok. From your description it does sound like hocks. I would get them medicated and then give him as much turnout as possible and get him on a good joint supplement. My boy is on Boswellia currently which is a natural herb but seems to be helping. It is definitely not the end of the road for many and it sounds like yours is only just showing mild symptoms. If he is shod behind you can always ask your farrier if he can show him to provide a bit more support and to shoe to the x-rays if any are taken. It isn’t s problem that can be cured but it can be managed. How long the injections will last depends very much on the individual horse but you should notice a difference quite quickly after having them medicated - and listen to your horse as he is the best judge of when they will need redoing. Good luck again, post us an update tomorrow night of the outcome!

 

[Goldenstar]

I am sorry your pony is not right .
Much can be done for hocks as long as the issue is not too advanced .
There gel products which coat the joint and help it work better I have had great results with these when the issue is caught early you can combine this with steroids into the joint or one of the systemic arthritis drugs such as Tildren.
You vet will advise you .
We have an old boy he’s not ridden now , he has had various treatments but now is managed on bute at a low dose he’s extremely happy .
Good luck and do let us know how you get on .

 

[Michen]

Keep your chin up, here's my boy with hock arthiritis leading a very full, busy life (though I'm careful about "type" of work ie no lungeing, small circles). If anything he is getting better and better every year. He is medicated with steroids when needed which is generally every 9/10 months.

 

[I don’t like mondays]

Hope everything goes ok. From your description it does sound like hocks. I would get them medicated and then give him as much turnout as possible and get him on a good joint supplement. My boy is on Boswellia currently which is a natural herb but seems to be helping. It is definitely not the end of the road for many and it sounds like yours is only just showing mild symptoms. If he is shod behind you can always ask your farrier if he can show him to provide a bit more support and to shoe to the x-rays if any are taken. It isn’t s problem that can be cured but it can be managed. How long the injections will last depends very much on the individual horse but you should notice a difference quite quickly after having them medicated - and listen to your horse as he is the best judge of when they will need redoing. Good luck again, post us an update tomorrow night of the outcome!

Thanks so much spotty pony. He lives out 24/7 all year luckily. That’s reassuring it might not be the end of the world. He’s on boswelia so I’ll keep him on that as sounds like it’s good stuff. Good idea re the farrier, yes he’s shod all round

 

[I don’t like mondays]

Keep your chin up, here's my boy with hock arthiritis leading a very full, busy life (though I'm careful about "type" of work ie no lungeing, small circles). If anything he is getting better and better every year. He is medicated with steroids when needed which is generally every 9/10 months.



View attachment 91227

Wow your horse looks amazing!! Do you do any particular rehab exercises or do you do anything specific that keeps him happy (apart from no lunging and tight circles)

 

[I don’t like mondays]

I am sorry your pony is not right .
Much can be done for hocks as long as the issue is not too advanced .
There gel products which coat the joint and help it work better I have had great results with these when the issue is caught early you can combine this with steroids into the joint or one of the systemic arthritis drugs such as Tildren.
You vet will advise you .
We have an old boy he’s not ridden now , he has had various treatments but now is managed on bute at a low dose he’s extremely happy .
Good luck and do let us know how you get on .

Thanks Goldenstar. That’s good to know there are lots of options with hocks

 

[Michen]

Wow your horse looks amazing!! Do you do any particular rehab exercises or do you do anything specific that keeps him happy (apart from no lunging and tight circles)

I do in hand pole work but haven't for ages tbh! Usually once a week. I don't really trot on roads (but never have), I am careful with hard ground. He is walked to warm up for 10 mins and the same to cool down even if not sweaty etc. As much turnout as poss though he's stabled for at least 12 hours.

To be honest, those are all things I did before he got diagnosed I just take extra care over them now. He has also had tildren twice, which I'd do again if needed.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Best of luck. If it is hock arthritis and you've caught it early, which it sounds like you have, it can respond very well to joint medication. I'd recommend gel injections over steroids if that is an option.

 

[I don’t like mondays]

Thanks everyone for your replies and support. Had a work up and X-rays, only very mildly lame behind (and moved beautifully on the lunge- much better than he has at home recently, typical lol!). He was showing some soreness in hocks on palpating of splint bone and X-rays showed mild arthritis so medicated. Also had foot X-rays to help with shoeing. Vet confident he can go out and have a fun summer with my daughter. Such a special pony. Thanks again x

 

[Wishfilly]

Sounds like a relatively positive outcome, and I hope he can go out and have a great summer with your daughter!

 

[hock]

It is absolutely natural to be worried but please whilst it does sound like hocks there are many really great options. My old boy has been diagnosed with hock arthritis in his right hind and 12 months down the line I swear to you he is going better than he ever has. And my knowledge has dramatically increased in terms of movement and schooling. I didn’t have him jabbed, he was too fat ?. So he’s much slimmer and fitter and despite his absolute disgust spends more time in the field. I could kick myself but I really don’t think he’d be going this well without the diagnosis.

 

[Goldenstar]

Oh good news ,watch his weight like a hawk and keep as him slim as you can .