Posted 2017-07-10 10:11 AM Subject: Lower Joint Flexions
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 502 Location: United States
I have a 5 yo mare that I feel needs lower hock injections due to fusion pain. When my vet flexes her she does not see a disturbance in her gait and doesn't want to inject. Under saddle she isn't strong at the lope, doesn't seem to engage, swishing tail, very rough etc. I have read an article that often a horse with fusing pain sometimes does not show a negative flexion. What are your thoughts on this? And yes she has responded positively to a bute trail and yes she is on an injectable joint supplement and still isn't strong in the hind. Thank you. ( and no it's not epm, please don't suggest such a thing)
Posted 2017-07-10 10:18 AM Subject: RE: Lower Joint Flexions
Defense Attorney for The Horse
Location: Claremore, OK
Has the fusing been verified by X-ray ?.
Lower hock soreness usually doesn't show up as lameness in a flexion. Usually they will travel base narrow or have a dish to their stride, more so after a flexion.
Posted 2017-07-10 10:30 AM Subject: RE: Lower Joint Flexions
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 534 Location: Ohio girl moved to PA
I would get x-rays if you havent already. My guy just had his lower joints done saturday. He didnt show on the flexion test but it was clear in the x-rays that he had inflammation and a bone spur which needed injections. He wasnt getting under himself at the lope and wasnt powering from behind, also developed gate issues and thats how i knew something was wrong back there. He's only 8 and this was his first time getting injected.
Posted 2017-07-10 11:52 AM Subject: RE: Lower Joint Flexions
You get what you give
Posts: 13030 Location: Texas
One thing you can do is block one or both the lower joints of the hock (DIT and TMT are the two low joints) and ride and see if theres any positive change in your horse's behavior.
Radiographs would also help to show if shes fusing or not.
Lower Joint Flexions
