So Tildren didn't work ...what next ??

[Horseback Rider]

My 12 yr old TB has a bone spavin on his hock we found this out just before xmas and the x ray confirmed it had already started to fuse.

He had a course of Tildren in Jan and had wedges on his hind shoes the wedges came off two weeks ago and he is now in a lot of pain.

I have had the physio out who confirmed what I thought that his lower lumbar area is quite sore due to the change in his gait. When lunged on one rein he is really uncomfortable.

I have him back on bute but keeping in this long term isn't really an option as he colics easily he had one mild episode last week.

The vet is coming back on Saturday but nit really sure what to do next??

I have emailed Rockley farm twice to see if they think they can help but have not had a response so far....

He is 12 and generally a nice horse to be around and to ride at the moment he is a horror on the ground and I haven't been riding him as its so obvious he is in pain. I don't really want to retire him unless necessary as he does enjoy his work and is already starting to get bored and climb out of his field!!

Any ideas ??

Thanks

 

[Escada2004]

i have a mare that was diagnosed at 6yo with it, she had Tildren but again dont think it made a big difference, She then had the hocks medicated (both even though only one has spavin) and she has been totally sound ever since, ok she is loaned out to a dressage only home but worked hard and thats 6 days a week. The hocks were last medicated 21 months ago and she is just gone half/10th lame, which is nothing but she will just be medicated again and be fine - thats the only thing thats worked for her (now rising 9) and she is also on maxaflex joint supplement and D & H Devils Claw. The more work they do the better and turnout is a must, my mare is out every day but stabled at night - hope that helps

 

[doonrocket]

I have heard that ethanol is being injected directly into the joint with some success for spavin. Sounded extreme but made interesting reading . Tildren worked for mine - but always looking at what advances are around.