Trapped nerve. Any hope of recovery?

[ynneb]

My 18 year old mare has a trapped nerve in her back, diagnosed by a qualified Veterinary Physio. She looks a picture of health and is sound walking in hand and when trotting around her paddock. After 15- 20 mins ridden she becomes inco-ordinated and wobbly so I've had to stop riding her which is very sad as we both love our hacks. The Physio suggested using a TENS machine on her for 2 months and then try a ride. Have any of you been in this situation and had a happy ending or is it retirement for my lovely girl? Is there anything else I could try? We have decided she is too old for an operation which I understand is major and not always successful.

 

[OrangeEmpire]

How very sad for you. I'm not sure this is likely to help but my TB has pinched nerves in his neck due to arthritis which cause coordination problems to his hind legs. I manage this with NoBute, a magnetic neck rug and light work to maintain his topline. The more muscle he has the sounder he becomes. I worked him for 6 months in hand/on the lunge initially (with side-reins) and then did 6 months ridden walking work before eventually he bounced up and down so much that it became clear he wanted to up his work load!

Would anything like this regime work for your mare? I was (and am) very careful to keep the sessions short and always stopped before he got to his wobby stage.

 

[lucylocket]

I entirely sympathise. I have just logged on to get advice on similar problem! My horse is uncoordinated on back legs, only happened in last 3 weeks but getting worse. Just got back from vets who thinks it could be disc in back or arthritis of spine. Has suggested turn away for 3 months to see what happens, possibly may not be ridden again. To investigate more fully would involve invasive treatment and various scans etc which would be extremely expensive and would not make difference to outcome, only possibly more information as to what is wrong. I have very reluctantly and sadly come to terms with horses retirement, but if I do get to ride again it will be a wonderful bonus. However my nag is 20 and so if arthritis will probably only worsen. Has anyone had a horse with a back problem that has resolved ?

 

[Christmas Crumpet]

Has your vet or anyone suggested trying an H Wave machine? They are amazing!!

 

[Skhosu]

The only thing I'd say is I don't believe they can diagnose, the actual vet has to? So possibly take her to the vet and see what they say?
Good luck

 

[Imonone]

What does an H Wave machine actually do?
Sorry to show my ignorance

 

[ynneb]

Thank you for your replies. I would be very interested to find out more about the H wave machine and will be dusting off my lungeing gear tomorrow for a very short and slow session to see how she looks! Will inform you of any progress.

 

[Christmas Crumpet]

The best way to describe the H Wave is an equine Slendertone machine!! Do you remember those things which were supposed to firm up muscles on your tummies which were advertised a lot in the eighties?

It has four pads which you attach to the skin using a special gel (or cheap hair gel) and then the machine emits small electrical impulses into the deep muscles etc to get them working again.

My horse did a tendon last year. As a result all his muscles along his back and neck were so tight and unsupple from overcompensating for his bad leg. The tendon has healed well now and by using the machine we can get those muscles which were all tight and spasmed to start working properly and loosen him up completely.

I cannot believe the difference in my horse since he's been having the sessions twice a week. He could hardly walk let alone trot before and yet recently he has been trotting out like a 4 year old despite the fact that he is 19. I would really, really recommend the H Wave!!!