Taking on a horse with Bone Spavin (also in Vets)

[charlyan]

I have been looking for a companion horse (LWVTB) for my horse for a few months and have spoken to a girl who's horse was diagnosed with bone spavin about 5-6 months ago.

From what i can gather he has been turned away since as companion to a youngster but has not required any medication- so far. His vet says he should be ok for light hacking and schooling. (waiting for full report from her vet).

In every other way, he is everything i am looking for but just wondered what the future may hold and if anyone on here has experience of this.

He is only 9 years old and I know plenty of horses with bone spavin go on to lead long and happy lives in light work but main concern is possibly taking on a horse that may require alot of expensive veterinary treatment in the future.

His owner's main concern is finding a good, long term home for him. She competes and also has a youngster to bring on so would rather he was with someone who has the time to dote on him.She has said she would sign him over to me in the future if he settled well and we were all happy.

If he did come to the stage that he needed to be retired completely then that is not an issue as he would be a second horse anyway and would have a home as a companion only.

Any advice or anything I need to be aware of/ asking about?

Ta much.

 

[DaveS]

From what I understand bone spavin is often only a problem when it is forming, when it can be quite painful and may require regular bute, steroid injections etc. When it has formed however - when the bones of the hock have fused together - the horse often goes on as if almost nothing has ever happened... I believe it can take upwards of a year for this to happen though and in some cases, never happens. The horse rarely returns to the level of competition they were previously used for, but it is believed that light exercise (riding not lunging) can be beneficial to the horse even when it is forming as it can accelerate fusion.
I'm afraid to say that bone spavin is just one of those weird things where the prognosis can range from almost returning to normal all the way too never recovering. I would have a good chat with the horses' vet myself and maybe consider getting another vet in to have a look too? The condition could end up being expensive, but equally some heal themselves with little treatment needed.

 

[charlyan]

He was apparently lame off and on for a year or so before being diagnosed and I think she said her vet thought the bones were starting to fuse, but I might be wrong on that- will check. He certainly isn't on bute/painkillers at the moment, though he was before.

She did say that her vet would be able to produce a report for me and i shall speak to my vet too. Expense was obviously a concern for me as any insurance is unlikely to cover a pre-existing condition.

Thanks for the reply- its been very helpful.

 

[625]

We were is a similar situation 2 years ago, we were offered a 14.2hh 10yo connemara pony with a confirmed bone spavin for £1 Initially he had x-rays, his hocks injected and was on a course of bute. I spoke to my vet and on his examination he felt the spavin had fused and was not over worried. He has Hunted for the last 2 seasons and has loved life to the full. I have him checked by the vet every 3 to 4 months and he has never needed any further treatment. X