noblesteed
Well-Known Member
I have a 19 yo 15.2 Andalusian x gelding with a range of medical problems. He has had episodes of laminitis on and off over the past 5 years so is kept in starvation paddock or muzzled and monitored very carefully. He's Currently absolutely fine. He also has arthritis in both hocks which were treated with steroid injections - I won't have any more of these as it caused laminitis. No cushings or PPID. 3 years ago he had his annular ligament removed in right hind and scar tissue taken out of the same tendon sheath after an injury. He came back sound after rehabilitation.
He is semi retired only hacking, no schooling or jumping. Our routine was about 3 rides a week of 4-5 miles with short canters.
Last summer his forefeet became very painful and despite very expensive remedial shoeing he refused to go forward when ridden. Vets wanted x rays etc but as he was no longer insured I had his shoes taken off and turned him away. In January this year he came sound so we have gone through a full barefoot transition - barefoot diet, hoof boots, trimming etc. I found that with him barefoot I can spot any slight lami changes immediately and treat quickly. He had a mild bout in April and was fine after 3 weeks. Over the past month we have been back to hacking 4-5 miles in hoof boots, lots of trot and began introducing canter. We also reached 2 miles barefoot on roads with plenty of trot. I was absolutely delighted to have my happy forward-going horse back! On his last health check the vet was really happy and said he was ever so slightly lame on that dodgy hindleg but to keep riding and give him half a Bute if he was stiff in his hocks.
Sadly a couple of weeks ago his right hind tendon sheath (where he had his operation) has started to swell He's walking forward well but slightly lame when ridden in trot on that leg. He doesn't want to canter up his field and sensitive on small circles. He's had Bute and cold treatment but no relief.
I am gutted. He isn't insured and I wouldn't put him through another operation anyway. Has anyone got any tips other than to turn him away again? He gets stiff with arthritis if not exercised and he needs Bute over winter to keep him mobile, and I have to watch him like a hawk for lami. He's been so happy to get his work back up to what it was and I really don't want to stop riding him as he gets depressed and naughty.
Any ideas for old tendon injuries?
He is semi retired only hacking, no schooling or jumping. Our routine was about 3 rides a week of 4-5 miles with short canters.
Last summer his forefeet became very painful and despite very expensive remedial shoeing he refused to go forward when ridden. Vets wanted x rays etc but as he was no longer insured I had his shoes taken off and turned him away. In January this year he came sound so we have gone through a full barefoot transition - barefoot diet, hoof boots, trimming etc. I found that with him barefoot I can spot any slight lami changes immediately and treat quickly. He had a mild bout in April and was fine after 3 weeks. Over the past month we have been back to hacking 4-5 miles in hoof boots, lots of trot and began introducing canter. We also reached 2 miles barefoot on roads with plenty of trot. I was absolutely delighted to have my happy forward-going horse back! On his last health check the vet was really happy and said he was ever so slightly lame on that dodgy hindleg but to keep riding and give him half a Bute if he was stiff in his hocks.
Sadly a couple of weeks ago his right hind tendon sheath (where he had his operation) has started to swell He's walking forward well but slightly lame when ridden in trot on that leg. He doesn't want to canter up his field and sensitive on small circles. He's had Bute and cold treatment but no relief.
I am gutted. He isn't insured and I wouldn't put him through another operation anyway. Has anyone got any tips other than to turn him away again? He gets stiff with arthritis if not exercised and he needs Bute over winter to keep him mobile, and I have to watch him like a hawk for lami. He's been so happy to get his work back up to what it was and I really don't want to stop riding him as he gets depressed and naughty.
Any ideas for old tendon injuries?