Spondylitis

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lhotse

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Had the vet out to my 25yr old mare today. She has not been eating up, most unlike her, plus definitely not lying down in the stable and also has ventral oedema. After a thorough examination, my vet has diagnosed her with spondylitis, inflammation of the spine, as she is very reluctant to move or put her head down and chewing is painful for her too. The reason for the oedema is that fact that she is not moving. She is particulary bad through the lower neck region. She has been put on a weeks course of Danilon, she already has Mobifor in her feed daily and has for the last 8 years for spavins. We now have to wait and see if the Danilon has any effect.
Does anyone have any experience of this condition in an older horse, she has been retired for the last 18 months.
Did yours respond to treatment?
I will not put her through another winter, but I would love for her to have some time with good spring grass in her belly and the warmth of the sun on her back. She's been my constant companion for the last 21 years.
 
My only experience is that my Osteopath told me that I had it in my neck and that it was normal for my :Dadvanced :Dage. . Make life as easy for your horse as you can ,the less she has to reach for her food the easier it will be. At twentyfive she has earned every concession and comfort , but you new that already didnt you. Nobody keeps a horse to 25 except through love.
 
No experience of this condition in the horsey world, however, I did work with someone once who had it and I remember it being quite painful for her. Do hope your horse feels more comfortable soon, wish they could talk sometimes. As you say it would be lovely for her to have some summer sun on her back. At 25 shes lucky to have you as her caring owner. xx
 
'equine cranio-sacral therapy' might help ease the pain as its a very subtle/gentle hands on therapy and induces endorphin/natural painkillers....many human and animal trained Chiropractors/Physio's/Osteo's have learnt it...:)
 
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