My last post was PRIOR to taking my 2011 mare to a Performance Vet for a lameness exam/flexion test. The appointment was decided because in 2019 which was my first year of really getting serious with hauling everything went pretty smooth. 2020 went to **** in a nutshell, best way to explain it. This year 2/3 of all runs would be OK the rest would fall apart. So as a trial we had buted her at a few races and it seemed to help; we had ruled out any training issues also.

I did not get the news I was expecting.

Doc did a flexion test and pin pointed her hocks, from there we did several xrays of each leg. After reviewing the x-rays Doc assured she would not even be able to get a needle between the lower-middle joint to inject them. Although it also appeared that there is some bone fusing of the lower joint that has begun.

>> My first question is, how long does natural bone fusion typically take?

Doc mentioned I could do the bone fuse surgery, but the risk and the $$ I really don't think that is in my best interest. She also suggested what's called an "alcohol wash" at the University in Ames, IA.

Right now we are taking things a day at a time, per doc's reccommendation I have started my mare on a daily dose of 57mg of Equioxx, and on days I'd run her, give 1cc of bute the night prior and 1cc the morning of. To "double-dip" so to speak. My mare is in excellent health, even the vet agreed that she is. She's slick, shiny, great weight etc. She is not a "stressy" horse but of course I will continue to keep an eye out for ulcer signs. We have a few runs left yet this fall I am curious to see how those go. From what the vet had told me I shouldn't expect much more growth in this mare's barrel racing career and that she was astounded how much performance this horse has given me based on the x-rays and that she must have a big heart. (Which she does)

I may be looking at another prospect in the spring, and keeping this mare around for other things. I'm just curious if someone else has gotten a prognosis like this with the joints being so tight together and how long it would take the bones to naturally fuse. I plan on scheduling annual x-rays to document growth. 

Needless to say it was a very tough drive home last week.

There is a product called Equibone that would help.  But you will need feed a non processed feed like oats.  They have feed recommendations and are very helpful.  You also might consider starting her on Summit Joint Performance.  

I sent you a PM about my experience.

Inject the hock joints you can, give Equioxx to pick up the slack, and KEEP RIDING and KEEP RUNNING.

Personally, be real careful on GI problems if you are giving the horse double NSAIDS (bute and equioxx).

I think it's pretty generally accepted that using the horse and actively riding will help continue the fusion process. Some fuse quickly; some never do (on their own).

Two of my three horses right now have hock fusion changes. Doesn't really bother me at all; just happens and fairly common. I inject them when they need it, and give Equioxx if they need it.

I will add that Pentosan helped one of my greatly, greatly, this year, so I will be keeping him on that (Adequan didn't seem to do much).

So keep your chin up. It's not a doomsday diagnosis!