Ulcers, synovitis of meniscus, and SI desmitis.

[showqa]

Had an horrendous week. Basically, after my primary vet continued to insist, after repeated call outs, that my horse was 100% sound and couldn't possibly have ulcers, I checked him into a clinic. The result was a diagnosis of 15 plus grade 3 ulcers, snyovitis of the meniscus in both stifles, and sacroliliac desmitis. Horrified doesn't even come close. Anyway, having got over the initial upset I'm now trying to be practical and learn about the condition. So, anyone with any advice I would very much welcome. Thanks.

 

[TarrSteps]

The ulcers are pretty straight forward. Presumably they are going to treat with GG, possibly rescope, then get him on a maintenance program. If it is serious enough for you to send to the clinic then you are better off going with the GG rather than trying the various "home remedies", not that you can't manage a horse without it, but you'll have the best chance of healing him

The other issues merely denote specific areas of inflammation ("itis"). What it means, exactly, depends on the severity, the horse's age, the level of unsoundness etc. If you send a horse for a work up, especially if it's done any sort of work, they WILL find area that aren't perfect but that does not have to be a disaster or a death sentence. What did the vets day as far as prognosis, treatment etc?

I know it all sounds awful but technically you already "knew" about the ulcers and the other stuff may be relatively easily managed.

 

[showqa]

Thanks Tarr. Yes, they've put him on the GG already. They feel that as his management is pretty natural, that the ulcers are as a result of pain. He's had IV tildren, and cortico steroid injections for his SI, and in two weeks he'll have a rescope and injections into the stifles.

I think my worry is that there seems to be various different approaches to rehab. He's on a week paddock rest, then light lunging - but some have expressed that they feel lunge work is inappropriate for SI injury.

I suppose I'm scared of breaking him futher during the rehab.

Right now, they're being gaurded about prognosis which I understand, although they feel happy he'll return to lower level dressage (novice). I'm just looking for others with experience of this to offer some guidance.