Talk to me about PSSM

Hi I just wanted I am really sorry to hear about what you and Shadow are going through, having just got back on my horse for the first time in six months after issues with her SI were discovered. Mine is doing well, although it is still early days, however I have two friends with horses who need their hocks medicated and their horses are both in full time work. I also have anther friend's whose horse has needs their SI medicated, this has been done three or four times over the last five years and horse is still in full time work. None of these are competition horses but they are out doing what their owners want them to do, and are happy and comfortable. I am just trying to say that sometimes horses can just have one issue, rather than several, and this can respond well to treatment. Shadow is lucky to have an owner who listens to him.
 
Supplement wise, my vets have recommended hesteflex previously, it's sort of a grade down from bozmerix from the same company
 
J_sarahd said:
Thank you - I guess you’re right. I didn’t push him - I spent more time doing groundwork and walk hacks than anything else (despite the fact he has apparently competed up to 80cm).

Is there a supplement etc anyone recommends? Or are they all a load of tosh?
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Just a good vit and min balencer. Progressive earth pro balence plus is my go to.

My vet doesnt agree with joint supplements and prefers the body is feed what it needs in a balenced way. Though she does agree with give herbal remedies as they woulf forage for it in the wild
 
i was advised by 2 different vets to get mine on a good joint supplement after she was diagnosed with changes in her hocks. I also have her on vits and mins and herbs. I can’t say the joint supplement has made any noticeable difference but it may help long term. I’m going with the vets advise anyway.

Sorry to hear of Shadows diagnosis. I’ve struggled a bit with wether I should ride my horse again after mine showed changes in her hocks but I could be overthinking things as I do.
 
Roxylola said:
Supplement wise, my vets have recommended hesteflex previously, it's sort of a grade down from bozmerix from the same company
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I really like their supplements - although £££

I use CBD on my pssm mare and I think it helps but she needs a lot so again £££. The pony gets a dose before the farrier which makes her dopey 😁
 
Horrible to find out there is something wrong with your boy. Just in case this helps, my boy was diagnosed with hock arthritis at seven. He has had steroid injections but it is also managed by shoeing (lateral extensions behind) and keeping him trim, fit and moving. I was advised by the vet physio and vet to work him at least five times a week. So far this regime has worked well and he actually went two and a half years after his first steroid injections without needing any more. I’ve had professional help schooling him as well to make sure he uses himself properly. He’s 11 now and we enjoy doing a bit of everything, including jumping. I just have to be careful about the ground and how often we jump and be watchful of any subtle changes in performance and behaviour. My lad was aggressive too sometimes before he was diagnosed. Good luck 🤞
 
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I'm Dun said:
The thing is it could have just been a weak young horse, so you gave him time and gentle work and when there was no improvement you went straight to the vet. Not sure you could have done better than that. For what its worth I would take hocks over PSSM any time!
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J_sarahd said:
So now I’ve had some time to digest what’s happened, I thought I’d update.

Gastroscope was clean - which is good. But then the vet was obviously at a bit of a loss as to his behaviour so did a lameness work up and noticed he was lame on bilaterally behind, but worse on his RH. Long story short, he has had his hocks injected.

She says the aggression could be resource guarding and it may be worth putting him on his own in the field and seeing if that helps the aggression or whether the relief of pain in the hocks will help. I guess that’s just a waiting game/trial and error.

I have cried a lot today. I am so sad and feel like I’ve gone back in time. I’m glad I’ve found something I can help manage but I’m also massively having a pity party. I don’t really know what our future looks like and I’m trying to find positive stories but realistically, it was the hope that destroyed me the most with Nova.
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Here’s hoping the hock treatment makes all the difference! Pain, any kind of pain, produces unpredictable responses in horses, maybe even this aggression.
Re your vet’s suggestion: we once had a manic resource guarder (entire), that settled very quickly after having his haynet tied next to and bucket placed beside a large, stainless steel, stable mirror on the wall.
Was initially furious at the ‘intrusion’, terrible faces, strikes and rushes towards the mirror, but within a week had totally calmed down, and become oblivious both to his reflection or to anyone in and out the stable while eating, or indeed, at any other time - a pussycat. No idea whether would help yours, but was interesting.
Good luck, you surely must deserve it!
 
Sorry to read this Sarah, but like others, credit to you for picking up on him not being his usual self. Fingers crossed it is something minor and the injections will make a big difference.

I gave my mare 4cyte, I do think it made a subtle difference such as coming out the stable, no stiffness on 4cyte. Cartrophen did make a big difference. Is he insured for this claim?
 
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