Steroid injections causing weight gain?

[NicoleS_007]

Hi all,

My mare recently got her Sacroiliac joint injected, 3 weeks ago. She was in full work before it was done and was in perfect condition. She was given a week off as prescribed (2 days box rest and 5 days turned out in field/arena). I noticed after a few days that her neck looked a little fatter so as there is a risk of laminitis from the injection I stopped turning her out in the field. She was not given any hard feed at that time. She is back in full work the past 2 weeks or so and there is a marked improvement in her way of going, she is much more willing to go forward and feels on form whereas before she was unwilling to go forward however shes never looked lame. Shes being fed the same now as she was before the injections however her neck is like a stallions and she does look fatter around the belly now to! I read that in humans they can put on weight, have mood swings and have a high blood pressure so I'm wondering if this is the same in horses? She doesn't get fed anything sugary and her feet are perfect, no signs of laminitis.

Thanks

 

[cobwithattitude]

my horse has just had her second bout of injections for SI issue (last one in July) and she has not put weight on - she is a good doer so I am always conscious of weight gain and as you say, so careful re laminitis and steroid injections. Vet advised me to keep horse in for 48 hrs - I did 60 hrs and she went out this morning. I will bring her in this evening for the night too. Then light work for a week and then slowly bring her back into work - straight lines and polework for a while though.

Will keep an eye on her neck and let you know. Good luck - difference is amazing, isn't it? Mine had to have second lot as first lot did not quite make the difference.

 

[BBP]

Mine lost weight after his sacroiliac injections, I think though it was because I was able to work him more consistently. Prior to the injection he was a bit scary so wasn't doing much. After the steroids he looked fabulous!