Weight shifting

[pistolpete]

So my pony was retired last Christmas due to stifle injury. He actually has bits of bone broken off. Will try to share X-ray. He had physio today and although he moved around the field pretty happily he weight shifted constantly during treatment. I give him bute occasionally especially when it’s cold. Warmer here today 11’. I suppose my question is how much pain/discomfort is too much? It’s so hard to know.

 

[Gloi]

Could that bone fragment be removed?

 

[angel7]

Looks a mess.
It would be time to call it a day for me before winter gets worse.

 

[pistolpete]

Could that bone fragment be removed?

Sadly not. Too old an injury according to vet. Would have had to have a general anaesthetic to investigate

 

[I'm Dun]

Honestly, anything other than mild discomfort is too much for me. Horses dont care about living forever but they definitely care if it hurts right now.

 

[pistolpete]

Honestly, anything other than mild discomfort is too much for me. Horses dont care about living forever but they definitely care if it hurts right now.

Really?

 

[ycbm]

Really?

Yes really, I agree. Pain now is pain, a horse has no concept that tomorrow will be better.
.

 

[ycbm]

So my pony was retired last Christmas due to stifle injury. He actually has bits of bone broken off. Will try to share X-ray. He had physio today and although he moved around the field pretty happily he weight shifted constantly during treatment. I give him bute occasionally especially when it’s cold. Warmer here today 11’. I suppose my question is how much pain/discomfort is too much? It’s so hard to know.

That looks nothing like the stifle of a horse I had x rayed. I'm afraid the knowing how much arthritis hurts humans and how stoic most horses are, I'd call it a day. I'm so sorry you are having to face this.
.

 

[Prancerpoos]

I had similar issues with my mare. One lesson I have learnt too well, sadly, is that animals will not show pain and are way past the discomfort stage when they show anything too obvious. I called it a day with my mare, but I think now that I should have made the decision earlier.

 

[pistolpete]

That looks nothing like the stifle of a horse I had x rayed. I'm afraid the knowing how much arthritis hurts humans and how stoic most horses are, I'd call it a day. I'm so sorry you are having to face this.
.

It’s definitely his stifle. Do you mean it looks worse or just odd?

 

[ycbm]

It’s definitely his stifle. Do you mean it looks worse or just odd?

Much worse, sorry. This must be so hard for you. I can't see how that joint is articulating as it's meant to without pain. I think I'd expect that to be painful just stood still. ?

 

[pistolpete]

Much worse, sorry. This must be so hard for you. I can't see how that joint is articulating as it's meant to without pain. I think I'd expect that to be painful just stood still. ?

He’s been amazing but I guess it’s a year since it started to bother him. Last time I rode him was Christmas Eve 2020. He has put on a lot of weight which I know won’t be helping but wanted him to have a fun summer. He did. I’ll try loads of bute on board and speak to vet soon. He’s still choosing to canter about but of course that doesn’t mean it’s not hurting.

 

[pistolpete]

Back in his ridden time. Vet reckons stifle was damaged then!

 

[I'm Dun]

Really?

Imagine something hurting all the time and not being able to mediate yourself or rationalise it. Imagine thats your life.

As someone else said, horses hide pain. In a prey animal showing weakness means death by predation. Theyare programmed to hide it. If hes showing symptoms like you describe then its hurting fairly badly.

I think you need to think about why you are keeping him going. Its not for his sake. He isnt benefiting from the current situation. A longer life filled with pain is no life worth living.

 

[pistolpete]

Imagine something hurting all the time and not being able to mediate yourself or rationalise it. Imagine thats your life.

As someone else said, horses hide pain. In a prey animal showing weakness means death by predation. Theyare programmed to hide it. If hes showing symptoms like you describe then its hurting fairly badly.

I think you need to think about why you are keeping him going. Its not for his sake. He isnt benefiting from the current situation. A longer life filled with pain is no life worth living.

It’s definitely for his sake. I sadly don’t ever feel like we bonded. He’s a really anxious horse. Maybe it’s time.

 

[I'm Dun]

Only you can decide that. But for me, it would be time.

 

[criso]

Only you can decide looking at the horse in front of you but I would say don't be afraid of using Bute if that keeps him painfree in the meantime.

 

[pistolpete]

Interestingly my physio suggested lower doses of bute and topping up with supplements like boswelia and forcyte I’ve had little success with either in the past. Will stick to bute/Danilon.

 

[angel7]

Digital Radiographs — Burlington Equine Veterinary Services (bevet.com)
Link to some nice stifle xrays for comparision

 

[pistolpete]

Thank you. That was interesting.