WWYD: arthritis in a youngish horse

[Cinnamontoast]

Also in vet.

So creature had x rays to discover arthritic changes in his right hock last autumn. He's fine on the straight, fine to school and hack. However, he comes up lame occasionally. He had a course of Adequan which seemed to help. However, I saw the same vet consistently and anytime the horse has been lame, he's recommended box rest and glucosamine but never given bute.

Speaking to other vets and equine technician friends, they're surprised a cortisone injection into the joint wasn't recommended. Another professional has advised bute daily, I think when needed as opposed to daily. The horse is 11 and ridden lightly three times a week. He came in crippled yesterday having been hooning madly He had bute which I borrowed from a friend.

So, do I ask for a different vet from my practise (the one I phoned yesterday suggested 2 bute, box rest or field rest as I felt appropriate. I kept him in, he has a huge box and his treat ball to keep him moving) and ask for bute or do I push for the cortisone injection? Anyone had good outcomes with the injection? Anything else I should consider?

 

[Cello_song]

My boy was 10 when he was diagnosed with bilateral arthritic changes in his hocks. He had cortizone injections which kept him comfortable for hacking 3ish times a week for about 6 months. He was also on one bute a day which was upped as and when needed. My boy was diagnosed at the 'horsepital' by an orthopedic specialist, so perhaps if this is your usual vet, you could consider taking the horse to your nearest 'horsepital' place? That way you might get a better idea of the range of things they can do to keep your horse comfortable and rideable?

 

[Tobiano]

my Harry was 8 when diagnosed with bilateral bone spavin (arthritis) in his hocks. He had an operation to fuse the joint. (paid for by insurance) - he had about 3 months off and 3 months coming back into work. He is now 11 and we give him 1 bute a day and he is sound and comfortable. May be worth asking about the op as your horse is young too and I think the cortisone is not a permanent solution. I know there are various views about use of Danilon but Harry does well on it and if it finally catches up with him via his liver or kidneys then at least he has had an active and comfortable life. Good luck with your boy.

 

[Cheiro1]

My mare was diagnosed bi-laterally at 11. She had a course of Tildren over a year and that was all until she was 13. She then started to struggle and she had Cortisone injected into her hocks and she now has bute as and when she is stiff. She can only really school or jump very lightly now, or she gets stiff, but she is happy hacking at any speed and loves fun rides