What to do now?!

[Riverboy]

Hi

Just looking for some advice really. My boy was diagnoised with bone spavin in both his hocks 2 and a half months ago, the vet said it was very severe and wasn't sure how he'd respond to treatment. We've given him steriod injections, limited turn out and now tildren but his hocks are still hot and he's showing no improvement (in fact i think he may be getting a little worse). He's now started getting funny about having his front legs picked up - this was the sign i knew something was wrong behind and i'm worrying that the tildren may be causing changes in other areas as the osteoplasts are stimulated by it.

I'm finding it difficult to know what to do next. Having him operated on has been suggested but his movement is very affected behind and i'm worried that he may begin to develop other arthritis type aliments elsewhere as it seems he has a predisposition to this and the vet said it was a risk...

The vet has said he needs at least a year (!?!) off before we can see whats happening to his joints and he is slowly going out of his mind with boredom. Any suggestions on how i can keep him entertained and feel positive about his future when it all looks so bleak at the moment?

Sorry for the long rant just finding it hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel at the moment...

Thanks for all the support previously - it really helped...

x

 

[Araminta]

No advice just hugs

 

[Riverboy]

thanks for the hug... sure we'll get there just gutting...

 

[Doublethyme]

No advice, just sympathy, as facing similar long term downtime with my mare (already been off 8 months) and know how soul destroying it is.

 

[cellie]

I had surgery done in Jan and Im pleased we went this route he was uncomfortable for a couple of months but his hock is good now and the vet is pleased with his progress
.Unfortunately my silly horse is intent on being broken and we have had one injury after another looks like I am going to miss another summer arghhhhhhhh If you want any info on surgery pm me .My friend has had both hocks done on her horse same surgeon and he was done in March.
To put my mind at rest I had his knees xrayed for arthritis when he had a splint last month and there was nothing present.Maybe you could do this before your insurance runs out or you make a decision.Surgery is the best option isf the joint is badly affected.good luck let us know what you decide to do