Posted 2015-01-26 12:10 PM Subject: would you try to bring an arthritic horse back?
Expert
Posts: 1261
My mare has been off since December of 2012. Diagnosed by a lameness vet as having osteoarthritis in both hocks from an old injury. Vet said the joint would fuse and she would be pain free and sound. Possibly able to run barrels again but no guarantees she would be able or have the speed. Finally I think the fusion is complete she seems totally sound not showing signs of pain. He said once she was sound I could ride her again and I just started riding her again. She feels amazing! I am wondering if I slowly condition her and get her really in shape if I can try to bring her back to barrels slowly if shes staying sound and i am really watching for signs of pain if it's even worth it. Definitely don't want to hurt her but she loved her job and I would love to run her again if it's possible and practical. She's just 14 this year. I was going to breed her this spring but if I could bring her back I would in a heart beat.
Posted 2015-01-26 12:26 PM Subject: RE: would you try to bring an arthritic horse back?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 678 Location: Canada
I would. If she's still a bit sore you can either try injecting the joint or look at chemical fusion to speed up the process. Start legging her up and do it slowly and correctly and see how she does. You have a lot of options with joint fusion so if she's still sore you can explore those options at a later date but start her back slow and see how it goes.
Posted 2015-01-26 12:35 PM Subject: RE: would you try to bring an arthritic horse back?
Expert
Posts: 1261
Thanks. I have done alcohol injections twice when first diagnosed. crossing my fingers it's finished fusing now! I think if I hold off on breeding I will try MSM.
Posted 2015-01-26 2:33 PM Subject: RE: would you try to bring an arthritic horse back?
Expert
Posts: 5293
Definately. Im running my gelding who is still in the process of fusing. I give Legend day before a run but seeing AWESOME results with pentosan! Previcox to if needed.
would you try to bring an arthritic horse back?
