Treating arthritis in laminic pony??

[Booga22]

Hi, I have a 14hh 16yo mare who was diagnosed with a bone spavin in her off hock around 10 years ago following a trauma. It was treated 6 years ago with carprofen (i think that's right), for a 6 week course and combined with a steady rehab programme she returned back in to full work.
All was fine until a severe laminitis attack last Jan, which resulted in her spending alot of time in on a very padded bed. She stiffened up in her hinds as a result of shifting her weight to the back to compensate and altho as she came back in to work, this has relieved it, the problem is still very apparant. As soon as you bring her in she rests it, and takes alot longer to work in.
I know bute will help relieve her of the symptoms, but obviously this isn't the answer long term. She is already on a careful weight/exercise plan and all of her feed is closely monitored for obvious reasons.

Does anyone have any ideas/experience of treating or managing this? I obviously can't go down the route of anything steroid based for risk of bringing on another attack and it's been a long battle to get where we are now....she is seein gthe farrier again this week for the a full set so will speak to him too. any advice much appreciated

 

[kellyeaton]

BUTE X FROM GLOBAL HERBS and clo and nettle! and gentle excercise!

 

[flash1]

pemanax by maxivita seems to be helping my old girl with laminitis and arthritis

 

[teddyt]

Keep her out as much as possible. You can do it, i have 3 ex laminitics that live out. You just have to manage the grass (or lack of it) very well. I feed mine hay all year round.

Boswellia is a herb that can help with arthritis and its kinder on the stomach long term than evils claw.

 

[Booga22]

Thanks - glad to hear it does what it says. I started her on a course of it around 2 weeks ago so keeping fingers crossed.....

 

[Booga22]

Hadn't thought of that. She does prefer being out, but she lost her best mate recentlt and he was helping her eat down the grass - it's flying up at the mo so the muzzle is proving extremely useful

She doesn't agree tho!