What would you do?

hellybelly6

hellybelly6

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My horse is lame with arthritis and I have retired him. He has been on Danilon for 4 weeks and is lame in trot. I have the option of taking him to the vet school for x-rays etc. The vet school is great, we were there when he split his tendon, but I worry about him going through the trotting up and nerve blocks etc, its gonna hurt him.

I have every confidence in our vet, but wonder if I should give my horse every chance possible.

I am also worried about what might be find and tend to think ignorance is bliss in this case.

In other words I am scared and want to do the best for my horse, but am not sure what the best would be in this case.

What would you do?

Thanks x
 
I had similiar decision to make in jan.I could have retired ollie or go for surgery with all the risks involved.The other option was to put him out in his field for a year and hope he came sound from spavins.Im really pleased I investigated further he has the opportunity to come completely sound and is pain free from the spavin.I had several sleepless nights but im confident I made the right decision.I would say give your horse his chance at least you will have no regrets in the future knowing that you tried.Its in his best interests and you might get good news.
 
If he is insured then go for it...... once your year is up, you will get no payout for treatment if he goes really lame
frown.gif


Merlin has arthritis in one of his hind fetlocks and the joint is riddled.... even the vet says he cant understand how he is sound and in full/med hard work. He is on no bute/danilon, just a joint suppliment.

Until you can see inside the joint then you will have no idea of a prognosis or diagnosis.... It might be something minor like a bone chip that could be treated, and your horse could go back to being useful again.

Go with the vet.... find out whats wrong.... and then make a decision.

Yes the trotting and the nerve blocks will cause the horse discomfort, but not as bad as being in pain all the time and then maybe having a shorter life as he cant be mended.

Good luck...... hope its good news x
 
How old is he hb6? If he's a veteran, then retirement and a quiet wind down is probably the only reliable option. Sadly, no amount of tests or x-rays or surgery can magically restore youth to old bodies. But if he's still young, I'd go for it - it's amazing what can be done these days. Good luck for you and ned xxx
 
Thanks everybody.

Box of frogs - my baby boy is only 15 - not quite a veteran.

I talked to the vet this morning, he was very understanding, he is brilliant, he says the same thing.

Jake is going to the vet school. You all helped me make the decision. I keep telling myself that if it is bad news, at least Jake wont know about it - if you know what I mean.

Fingers crossed, please.

I love that big white lump to bits.
 
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