Sidebone, ringbone and artiritus

[Abbeyandersonflynn]

I'm looking for onions.

My 9 year old Irish draught x was lame when turning. I got the vet out and he has been diagnosed with sidebone, ringbone and artiritus.

He went for x-Ray's and MRI to confirm this. The prognosis is that he will be on 9 weeks box rest (we are now on week 3) he will get remedial shoeing but ultimately will never be sound again only "hackable" and will be on danelion for the rest of his life.

I'm wondering what people options are on what I should do. Do i one got through with this and use him for hacking ( I got him to compete xc and do showing) with the help of medication or do I put him to sleep ?

I'm edging towards the PTS. People at the yard are agreeing with me but my family don't they think I should keep him.

It's not about the money as I can afford to keep him and put him on medication. It's more of the thought that I'd be doing this and another side bone breaks when he's in the field, I'd be runeing his liver and that he would only live a couple of years as the vet has said that he won't make it to old age.

I know at the end of the day it will be my decision but I'm just wondering what people would do if they were in my position ?

Thanks

 

[SEL]

My draft has severe ringbone & sidebone. I only put him on danilon if he's sore (usually from being silly in the field) or I've taken him out for a plod. He seems happy enough being a pet - but I do worry about him!

 

[be positive]

Sidebone is rarely an issue once it has formed, you say another one may break so is one currently fractured? ringbone and arthritis are degenerative but there is plenty that can be done to help without needing danilon every day, I would look at removing the shoes rather than using remedial ones that will restrict the way the hoof grows and supports the internal structures, if there is no rush to make a decision I would turn him away unshod and gradually bring him back into light work and see how he does, it may be that rather than having him pts you can get him sound enough to loan him and can get another horse to compete with if he is not up to it.
Danilon long term may not be great for the liver but it will be many years before it does too much harm and he may not even require it once he has settled down and his feet are more comfortable, I am lucky that I have my own land so can keep a horse on rest or retirement at low cost so will always give them at least 12 months turned away as long as they are field sound and happy.