stifle OCD

[tplewis]

Please can someone help?! I have a 6yr old, 17hh dutch warmblood, show jumper, that was diagnosed July 08 with stifle OCD involving the lateral trochlear ridge and the articular surface of the patella. He seemed to become sound with a steroid injection. This year I've got him to his fittest ever, started jumping again and now he is uneven. The X rays show a small amount of deterioration. I have three options in my mind. 1 - put him out to grass to be fat happy for a while until really lame as so heavy - 2 - turn him into a happy hack under minor work to keep weight down and he should cope, no more competing . 3 - operate and see if I can get the wonderful horse back that I have when he is not plagued with lameness.

Any thoughts from anyone would be greatly appreciated

 

[Halfstep]

If he is insured operate without delay as you have until July to cake a claim. If it has deteriorated over a year it will continue to do so unless the chips are removed. The operation is done under a general anesthetic using an arthroscope, and the prognosis is usually quite good.

 

[jessquoi]

i have a 3 year old who had ocd in both his hocks and he was operated on as a yearling his prognosis would have been very bleak if we hadnt operated and he seems to be pretty much ok now...touch wood...but only time will tell. we have used Mobifor HA and synequin not together but found the mobifor definitely improved his condition. i'd really recommend surgery we were insured but E and L wouldnt cover him so we had to pay out ourselves. obviously your vet will be able to advise you better, however it would be best to have a consultation with a specialist if you havent already, where abouts are you based?

 

[MerryMaker]

as above, if insured, operate! prognosis is pretty good.

 

[bailey14]

This might be the best chance that you get, operate without delay in case of post operative complications, so you will be covered for these under your existing claim. Sorry to be negative, sure there won't be any complications, but just in case. Also take advice from vet regarding rehab in terms of time/cost implications with physio if this physio is needed after your claim expires. Good luck x

 

[tplewis]

Thanks for all your quick responses, about to see surgeon for the final verdict.................

 

[Booboos]

This is just one case so don't make your mind up based solely on my experience, but I had a horse with OCD in both stiffles he was operated on, the vet said it was one of the worst cases he had seen, we went through 9 very difficult months of box rest (his character changed dramatically and he became very difficult to handle) with gradual return to work. One year after the op he was given the all clear with a 99% chance of never having the problem again, a further six months down the line it was back again

Overall I don't think I regret the op as I had been given good odds for full recovery (80%) but I regret the box resting as that was too much for the horse and although he eventually chilled out he was never the same again.

Good luck!!!

 

[tplewis]

Well saw the surgeon and the only way forward is the op. I have found the most brilliant re hab centre that caters for all types of box rest. when I visited all horses were calm and happy, no sedation given at any time. He has a hydrotherapy spa, a swimming lane and a water treadmill. The routine is the same every day, haylage 4 times a day, feed 3 times a day, obviously in minimal amounts. He will be cared for and hopefully occupied for his rehabilitation time and the exercise can start after about 3 weeks in the water as it is non weight bearing. X rays will happen every 3 weeks to see how he is progressing and exercise increased/decreased accordingly. Even though there is no definite recovery percentage, I can in my mind know he was given the best chance if it doesn't work. This weekend he can chill in the field before hell begins. Dependant on x rays I can start riding (walking) in 3 months. He will be in rehab for most of these months if I can afford it when the insurance runs out. Thank you to all that replied, after a bottle of wine and a good cry I still do not feel much better about it but my options are limited and maybe, just maybe I might get a sound horse - I will not get my hopes up though.

 

[tplewis]

I'm in Oxfordshire. Thanks for the heads up on the Mobifor, I'll try anything at this point.........

 

[HairyHatMan]

All the best matey xx