Ringbone advice please!

[0ldmare]

My 18 year old mare was not striding out very well in walk and was slightly unlevel in trot when ridden.

I had the vet who says its likely to be ringbone in her off fore. Gave me Danillon for a 2 week course with a view to investigating further - nerve blocks and xrays - if still unsound at the end of it. All fair enough

But I had my farrier out (who is mega experienced remedial farrier). When I told him about it he took one look and said 'oh yes definitely ringbone and actually she has evidence of the start of ringbone in the other 3 legs too'

If he is right it really is very bad news. I could think about treating 1 leg, but 4 legs. Gulp

I'm obviously going to talk to my vet, but my question is are there any new or good treatments for ringbone that might help/work? I've searched the web and it really doesn't seem hopeful, particulary given the *possible* extent of the problem

Any advise would be lovely

 

[EventingMad]

My chap was diagnosed with Ringbone three years ago now and the outlook at first was not good .We then got a second opinion and with further investigations he is now in medium work and loving life! I have to be so careful with the ground conditions both from a ridden point of view and field management one .He is now on Devil's Claw with two scoops a day and is going really well on that and is very happy and content!
Sorry probably not very helpful!
PM me anytime if you want to know anymore or just need someone to talk to about it

 

[Louby]

My last horse had ringbone in all 4 legs and she had progressive lumps growing on either side of her pasterns which ended up the size of golf balls. The outsides being much worse. She was only 8 yrs old when diagnosed. She was fine for about 2 years and then it was managed with a bute every other day and light hacking Im afraid. I was careful when the ground was hard and didnt school her anymore as she found circles hard (which was what first made me realise something was wrong).
I hope your horse is ok, Ringbone comes in 2 forms non articular and articular, Im sorry but I cant remember all the info now but I think one involves the joint and one doesnt. Ringbone can fuse and the horse can come sound. My mare was lame all round so I hadnt really noticed, shame on me. Sadly she was pts not because of the ringbone though.
I would bite the bullet and get the vet out to xray, then at least you will be able to hopefully stop worrying as you can have injections to help and prolong your horses working life.
Some horses with ringbone carry on as normal.

 

[AmyMay]

Amy had low, non articular ringbone. I retired her as soon as she was diagnosed, took her shoes off, and put her in foal.

Interestingly after the initial diagnosis and treatement she seemed to be perfectly sound. So probably could have continued on with some quiet ridden work for a while. She was 16 years old.

 

[chestnut cob]

Will PM you