Really big hock - any ideas?

[nedzy]

Hi,

A bit of a long story but....back in January I called vet out as I had just relocated with my horse and wanted to meet new vet and have a check up. On cantering him on lunge she felt he was lame only in canter and wanted to xray his hind hock. Xray revealed he had small bone chip so they injected the hock and all was well. A month ago my horse came in from field and within half an hour the same hock had swollen so as not to be able to see any definition, and was warm. Cold hosing, rest, bute etc all followed but the swelling has not reduced. He has just been in for more xrays and the bone chip has not moved, so the next procedure is to put a camera in to look at cartilage. The strangest thing is that he is not lame at all!
Has anyone had any similar experience as I am extremely worried about his future. I have only owned him for 9 months.
Also, does anyone know if he has to be completely put under for the camera in his hock?

Thanks

 

[Halfstep]

Yes, really familiar. My horse was never lame at all and even was sound on flexion tests but had a big fat hock, which when xrayed revealed bone and cartilage damage after (we think) smashing it getting cast in his stable.

He had the arthroscopy and the damaged bits cleaned out. yes, this is indeed done under a general anesthetic. The good news is all has been fine and the horse returned to full competition work within six months of the operation.

 

[CBFan]

yes, he will need a GA and as already said... the op tends to be a success... I wouldn't have any hesitation in proceeding. please be aware though that the swelling may never disapear even after surgery....

 

[nedzy]

Thanks for that. I feel more optimistic. Can I ask however, does the fact that on his vetting he was found to have an irregular heart beat pose any problem with general anaesthetic?