query re cortisone/steriod injection in the hock

R

rubysmum

Well-Known Member
Joined
19 July 2010
Messages
1,104
Location
midlands
Visit site
my 20 yr old mare had cortisone/steriod injection on thurs [ she has a diagnosis of arthritis on hock & had a previous injection about 2 yrs ago - which she responded well too] - she was box rested for 24 hrs & then turned out fri pm - brought her in today to feed [ she has to have bute for 3 days] & she was very unhappy to walk & looked old & tired [ sorry - i know that sounds soppy:(] - any information on if/when we should see any improvement?
 
My boy has arthritic changes in his right hock and has also had 2 cortisone injections but he is only 9. He had the first Feb 10 and had 3 days of box rest then turn out for 3 weeks and then brought back into work slowly - took about a week before I noticed a marked difference in him. I felt he was a touch off in his gait in February this year and got the vet out who gave him the injection again just to be safe and he was a bit sore and stiff looking for about a week before we saw an improvement - brought him back into work after 10 days of no riding and he was fine.

I hope she gets better soon :)
 
Are you able to get telephone advice from your vet? Check her feet/digital pulses if concerned I would have a chat with them as my horse has just suffered an attack of laminitis following a cortisone injection..
 
My old boy is about to have this done next wed and I am not looking forward to it. I have no experience of this at all ! How long do they need box rest for afterwards ?
 
EQUISCENE said:
Are you able to get telephone advice from your vet? Check her feet/digital pulses if concerned I would have a chat with them as my horse has just suffered an attack of laminitis following a cortisone injection..
Click to expand...

^^^^ this. If she were mine I would treat her as if she had laminitis ie. in on a thick bed, soaked hay etc. Urgent talk with vet. Our lad developed symptoms after a steroid injection. He was much younger and whilst not "proper" laminitis he never had them again as the risk was too great.
 
OMG - laminitis - hadn't even considered that - am unable to get back to yard to night but will be up at crack of dawn to check that - thanks for pointing that out:)
 
gingerarab said:
My old boy is about to have this done next wed and I am not looking forward to it. I have no experience of this at all ! How long do they need box rest for afterwards ?
Click to expand...

I think it depends on the horse, the joint injected and lots of other things. Ours stayed in for 48hours after injection.

There is always a risk of laminitis with steroids and my vet told me it was more risky in an older horse (but my mare has mild cushings so obviously she is at risk anyway so we have not done it for her). Your vet should advise you of any risks before they give the injection. I am sure they will advise you properly and if they know your horse then they will be the best people to assess that risk.
 
I'd definitely speak to your Vet as soon as you can- depending on what cortisone was used, it can take up to 2 weeks for the stuff to "kick" in, but i'd speak to vet and tell them the symtoms as when a joint is injected there can be a risk of infection, which is why some vets will give an antibiotic injection at the same time to lessen the risk.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top