DJD - Degenerative Joint Disease

[Shazza]

I think that is what it is called and its in her back fetlock. Seen the x-rays- lots of cottonwool growth all around the joint.

My sisters horse Midnight has just been diagnoised with this. We are all a little shocked and upset.

Midnight is 7 years old - mare Irish draft x Tb.

Has anybody else out there suffered with this. What were the best controlling effects. We know it cannot be cured, but what can we do to control it.

At present she is on 10 days small field rest, with bute for the first five days. she will then be trotted up and then ?????

Any advise, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Regards Sharon.

[SIXTEN]

Hi, sorry to hear about your horse, I suspect mine has the same problem. I am no expert but since noone's replied yet I thought I would suggest to put her on some joint supplement, like Corta-Flx (there are cheaper ones but that one is supposed to be very good). I believe a lot of people also suggest using tendon-boots, to support the horse during work. Good luck!

[Shazza]

Thanks Sixten

The Vet was up again today, she had her injection and he is subscribing a version of Corta-Flx, this is a powder and not the liquid.

We are hopeful that after the seven days rest she will be able to do very light work, increasing very slowly.

Many thanks for your concern, hope your horse is not too bad, and like Midnight can hopefully be controlled.

Keep you posted.

Regards Sharon.

[Hayleyb277]

Sharon

Has the horse gone on a course of Adequan. These are a series of injections that inhibit and can even stop the enzymes that are causing the bony formation.

One of my horses, Henry, was five when he put a back leg under a door, after 6 months of trying to save him (long story) he was found to have DJD of the fetlock joint as a result of the injury. The ossification was so serious that he could never be ridden again, in fact one vet said it would be cruel to keep him alive, this comment was kicked out by my own vets who knew how I felt about the horse. Henry went on Adequan and the degeneration stopped, although the bone formation on the inside of the joint is huge. He is now 12 years old, is only lame if he has been acting like a two year old for a bit too long in a particular day and is thoroughly enjoying retirement as a companion to any one of the horses.