Dyllymoo
Well-Known Member
I'm sorry Dyllymooit's the pits, i know how you're feeling.
I feel like a broken record
Would you investigate further?
- Thread starter Dyllymoo
- Start date
I feel like a broken record
TPO
🤠🏴
No I wouldn't investigate further is the short answer.
Firstly I think you should be commended for investigating his tripping considering you were/are surrounded by people telling you it was nothing.
I'm really sorry that it wasnt a better diagnosis ans that you have been unsupported by your vets throughout this difficult time.
Personally I wouldn't investigate further because you have a diagnosis. The fact that the vet then advised not to ride, but then you could if you wanted yet better to pay a professional, to me, speaks volumes.
I may be misremembering but I believe that the physio told you that she could "fix" his neck. Whilst yes in theory you can develop muscles elsewhere to compensate for the neck arthritis can never be fixed. I'm sure she had good intentions this isnt the kind of statement that should ever be made to a client.
I wouldn't investigate further because I dont see the benefit. They undoubtedly will find something because there is always something. If, for example, they say hocks and successfully treat them that still doesnt fix the issue with his neck.
I do think you need to speak to a vet at RVC because they did the mri of the neck. Definite answers arent always possible but I think you'r vet and physio havent been clear enough with you; maybe they don't know enough themselves.
Trust me I totally get clinging to hope and wanting a miracle. Vets (3 practices and a hospital) were unable to diagnose my boy and as he was totally fine in himself I kept trying.
Your boy was telling you something with the initial tripping and now with his back end going when it wasnt before (of course this could be the change to his balance that the new shoes are causing and he cant keep his feet to get any benefit from them). You've mentioned money being tight and the eye watering cost of his shoes. I'm just not convinced that the cost of a full work up would be of any real value to you given his neck diagnosis.
I hope that this doesnt come across harsh or blunt. I truly do feel for you and have been in a similar place to you. I've known that mine was totally unsellable (not that I would have anyway) but just wanting a break from it all so badly. I also said when i lost TPO that i wasnt getting another yet 3wks later...then when that horse was constantly broken I wanted a break from horses and I bought a 2yr old ??
It is absolutely heart breaking and I am so sorry that you are at this point. It's so conflicting between needing to try and facing the reality of the situation.
I thinking getting a phone consultation with RVC, and have a list of questions prepared, might be the best middle ground for you.
Take care of yourself
Firstly I think you should be commended for investigating his tripping considering you were/are surrounded by people telling you it was nothing.
I'm really sorry that it wasnt a better diagnosis ans that you have been unsupported by your vets throughout this difficult time.
Personally I wouldn't investigate further because you have a diagnosis. The fact that the vet then advised not to ride, but then you could if you wanted yet better to pay a professional, to me, speaks volumes.
I may be misremembering but I believe that the physio told you that she could "fix" his neck. Whilst yes in theory you can develop muscles elsewhere to compensate for the neck arthritis can never be fixed. I'm sure she had good intentions this isnt the kind of statement that should ever be made to a client.
I wouldn't investigate further because I dont see the benefit. They undoubtedly will find something because there is always something. If, for example, they say hocks and successfully treat them that still doesnt fix the issue with his neck.
I do think you need to speak to a vet at RVC because they did the mri of the neck. Definite answers arent always possible but I think you'r vet and physio havent been clear enough with you; maybe they don't know enough themselves.
Trust me I totally get clinging to hope and wanting a miracle. Vets (3 practices and a hospital) were unable to diagnose my boy and as he was totally fine in himself I kept trying.
Your boy was telling you something with the initial tripping and now with his back end going when it wasnt before (of course this could be the change to his balance that the new shoes are causing and he cant keep his feet to get any benefit from them). You've mentioned money being tight and the eye watering cost of his shoes. I'm just not convinced that the cost of a full work up would be of any real value to you given his neck diagnosis.
I hope that this doesnt come across harsh or blunt. I truly do feel for you and have been in a similar place to you. I've known that mine was totally unsellable (not that I would have anyway) but just wanting a break from it all so badly. I also said when i lost TPO that i wasnt getting another yet 3wks later...then when that horse was constantly broken I wanted a break from horses and I bought a 2yr old ??
It is absolutely heart breaking and I am so sorry that you are at this point. It's so conflicting between needing to try and facing the reality of the situation.
I thinking getting a phone consultation with RVC, and have a list of questions prepared, might be the best middle ground for you.
Take care of yourself
Dyllymoo
Well-Known Member
Thank you, I completely understand what you are saying but maybe I haven't been clear in most of my posts (which is highly likely as its so emotional at the minute).
I still have insurance that I can claim on so money for investigations isn't really an issue. The main reason I wanted to get a full body work up is that I do 100% feel there is something else, and whilst I might not be able to fix his neck issues (the realisation that it is degenerative has only recently happened, even though both vet and physio have never said he will be fixed), that if there is something else that could potentially be causing other issues, or might be making his neck worse/ degenerate faster, then I think its worth looking in to.
Honestly, I've had 2 other horses in my life, both have had serious medical issues, both were 5 stage vetted (same as J) and both have been rehabbed extensively and then unfortunately PTS because they have deteriorated. I am just trying to make sure I have all of the facts for J before I embark on something that could actually cause more issues for him then being retired happily in a field.
RVC wont speak with me due to the CT scan being requested by vets, and I haven't been referred over unfortunately.
Thank you though, for taking the time to respond I really do appreciate it.
I still have insurance that I can claim on so money for investigations isn't really an issue. The main reason I wanted to get a full body work up is that I do 100% feel there is something else, and whilst I might not be able to fix his neck issues (the realisation that it is degenerative has only recently happened, even though both vet and physio have never said he will be fixed), that if there is something else that could potentially be causing other issues, or might be making his neck worse/ degenerate faster, then I think its worth looking in to.
Honestly, I've had 2 other horses in my life, both have had serious medical issues, both were 5 stage vetted (same as J) and both have been rehabbed extensively and then unfortunately PTS because they have deteriorated. I am just trying to make sure I have all of the facts for J before I embark on something that could actually cause more issues for him then being retired happily in a field.
RVC wont speak with me due to the CT scan being requested by vets, and I haven't been referred over unfortunately.
Thank you though, for taking the time to respond I really do appreciate it.
IrishMilo
Well-Known Member
This is one of those situations where everyone will advise something different and feel differently about.
My POV is very much the same as TPO's; I felt like I would be throwing good money after bad after Milo's hock X-rays were shown to me. Knowing he had something incurable was enough for me, even if there MIGHT have been something going on somewhere else too (although I knew his neck and back were fine from previous X-rays).
I think it would be helpful for you to ask yourself what the end goal is, with his prognosis in mind and what his quality of life is like/likely to be?
They are difficult questions and ones we hate. I'm really sorry you're in this position, it sucks.
My POV is very much the same as TPO's; I felt like I would be throwing good money after bad after Milo's hock X-rays were shown to me. Knowing he had something incurable was enough for me, even if there MIGHT have been something going on somewhere else too (although I knew his neck and back were fine from previous X-rays).
I think it would be helpful for you to ask yourself what the end goal is, with his prognosis in mind and what his quality of life is like/likely to be?
They are difficult questions and ones we hate. I'm really sorry you're in this position, it sucks.
ester
Not slacking multitasking
D on the slipping thread you said the new farrier was going to ask a friend about the xrays re. navicular bone- did any more come of that?
Dyllymoo
Well-Known Member
Nope. I have asked twice but not been told. Not sure if he has been able to do it or what. And this is another reason I am getting frustrated. I 100% know people are busy and I am not their own client but I just want things progressing and they aren't.
Dyllymoo
Well-Known Member
Completely get this. I guess because the vets haven't really been very clear with me then I'm unsure what the end goal is. As mentioned, all I want to be able to ascertain is is it worth "rehabbing" him back to riding fitness, is that likely to happen given his issues, would he be comfortable in the field retired. I feel I need a whole horse picture for that for my own brain. Not everyone does, and I understand that, and I don't think either way is wrong, but maybe due to past horse issues and J being J I feel like I need to know exactly what he is dealing with before deciding anything for his future.
ihatework
Well-Known Member
It sounds to me like you just need a bit of hand holding through this rather than a referral. As you are with a big practice I’d probably compose an email and ask for a telephone consultation with a vet who would be willing to talk through all your doubts and questions. Some vets are better at communicating than others!
w1bbler
Well-Known Member
I totally get where you are. I'm currently rehabbing a horse with multiple issues, it saps you both mentally & physically. 12 months on I have a partially fixed horse, but I think its unlikely she will be able to do the job she was bought for.
My advise to you would be what are the other likely issues & are they things that can be easily fixed? If you are setting yourself up to find other things & can face the rehab process (if its possible) then push for more investigation.
If you are exhausted with the process, then try an old fashioned turn away for 12 months & see if he improves or deteriorates. If you can do that with shoes off on a track livery then you may sort his feet issues.
Its difficult when insured as you have a ticking clock, but look after yourself aswell.
My advise to you would be what are the other likely issues & are they things that can be easily fixed? If you are setting yourself up to find other things & can face the rehab process (if its possible) then push for more investigation.
If you are exhausted with the process, then try an old fashioned turn away for 12 months & see if he improves or deteriorates. If you can do that with shoes off on a track livery then you may sort his feet issues.
Its difficult when insured as you have a ticking clock, but look after yourself aswell.