Steroid injections

M

MerryRowy

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23 May 2008
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Yorkshire
www.theequineartist.co.uk
Hello all, im posting as im really needing some advice

My veteran has just started a 2 week danilon trial to see if it eases up his stiffness. Although he was never xrayed, it is believed he has arthritis in atleast his right hock and somewhere in his pelvis [possibly due to a fall on cobbles a few years ago, and also from a lifetime of SJ]

The vets are very pleased with him and said that no way is it an "end of the road" matter as they want to see him progress

Of course, after the trial is over, if need be we will do nerve blocks to try and locate the lameness a little better. There was the mention that steroids would work, or just keep him on danilon for the rest of his life, which i obviously just want what is best for him, cost isnt too much of an issue, i dont want to 'extend' his life i just want him to be happy and comfortable, so basically whats best for him


What are your experiences of steroids, and can anyone paint a better picture of how the process would/might go if he was to be injected in his hips [which it looks like thats where the problem is] as im pretty certain hes going to need to be put under GA then scanned?

Im aware of the risks, which is why i want as much info as possible, as id rather stick to whats best for him if possible rather than something hoping it will work when there is a chance it wont. His age is against him, but the vets are hopeful because of how well he is and the fact that apart from his hips and his hocks he's in fantastic condition and no other problems

Thanks in advance!
 
buffy was lame on both hinds and ocd was first thought. as she was diagnosed with navicular in the front feet they didnt want to go ahead with cameras etc. they injected steroids into the hocks and she has been sound on the backs ever since
 
In my experience steriods either work or they don't, there doesn't appear to be any in between. My horse has ocd in both stifle joints and steriod injections made no difference, however, tildren treatment has made a huge difference to his bone pain (not soft tissue pain), he's now sound. I believe tildren can also be used for arthritis. I'm sure you're aware but steriods can also cause laminitis to flare up. I hope it all works out for you :-)
 
Steroid injections can ware off after time , different lengths of time for different horses and issues. So you might bet 12 months soundness from the first one then 8 months from the next and so on. Although this is not always the case.
I know a few people who used the injections until they we not lasting long enough eg 6 months and then they switched to the danilon as and when needed route.
Gives your more options and less time dependant on danilon that way but then you have the laminturs risk from steroids and the infection risk from injections.
Best to go with your vets advise I think.
 
My cob had both hocks injected with steroids for mild spavin - but despite the vet being careful, he got a joint infection and spent 9 days on a drip in hospital. To add insult to injury, he then had a bout of laminitus the following Spring, another risk of steroids, so I have not had his hocks injected since! I am keeping the stiffness at bay with 24/7 turnout and cortaflex. If needed I would rather put him on daily bute/danilon rather than further injections.
 
My horse has had intra articular injections into his hock with steroids as well as having two lots of Tildren - in fact he is having his third Tildren this Friday. I think there is a risk of steriods but to be honest this risk is quite small to my knowledge. I would do all you can for your horse especially if you can afford to due to your insurance policy. That's what you pay your premium for.
 
Thanks guys

Yes, i've experienced horses going down with laminitis from SI's which is one reason im really thinking carefully about this. It would always be my last option

Vet's are back out in the morning anyway to do the nerve blocks, and im also having his stifle xrayed as he is quite lame tonight. Hopefully we find out what is going on, and do the best for him

Thankyou very much everyone who has replied, very much appreciated
 
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