I feel guilty for asking for help when I mainly just lurk on here but I really dont know what to do. I've had my new horse on loan with viewv to buy for 4 weeks and he's lovely, perfect for everything I want and I love him to bits already. I haven't ridden him since he's been with me because I wanted to get a saddle fitted and his back checked, although I did have him on loan at his owners for a month and rode him lots there. I had the back lady out today to check him and he was very tense and sore but worst of all was that she suspects that he's got arthritis in his hock. She said I should speak to my vet about putting him on bute for a week and then he'll have to have a joint supplement along with devils claw or nobute for life. She said that it could be managable but it could get steadily worse. I dont know what to do. I know I should just cut my losses and send him back to his owner but I love him to pieces and would worry about his owner being able to look after him because the reason why I've got him on loan is because she cant afford to keep him. Dont know what to do!!
Arthritis - dont know what to do - help!
- Thread starter flopsypop
- Start date
6 weeks ago I bought a horse that has got arthritis in his front fetlock joint. I had him on trial for about 10 days and because he ticked all the boxes with regard to everything else I was looking for, I decided to take the risk and go ahead and buy him.
I spoke to his previous vet to get exact details of his previous treatment and prognosis, and had my own vet out to have a look at him too. They both said I would be taking a slight risk in taking him on, but that arthritis is manageable and that at the moment it is only mild. I only plan to hack him lightly and have now started him on a joint supplement, which I know he will need to be on probably for the rest of his life.
I also posted asking a similar sort of question when I was thinking about getting him and got loads of encouraging replies and responses, as I am sure you will. I took the plunge and haven't regretted it. He suits me perfectly for what I want in a horse. I have no plans to compete, jump or go galloping about. If you think that this horse will still suit you if their work has to change slightly, and that you are prepared to have the added expense of supplements etc, then I think you should definitely stick with him.
I spoke to his previous vet to get exact details of his previous treatment and prognosis, and had my own vet out to have a look at him too. They both said I would be taking a slight risk in taking him on, but that arthritis is manageable and that at the moment it is only mild. I only plan to hack him lightly and have now started him on a joint supplement, which I know he will need to be on probably for the rest of his life.
I also posted asking a similar sort of question when I was thinking about getting him and got loads of encouraging replies and responses, as I am sure you will. I took the plunge and haven't regretted it. He suits me perfectly for what I want in a horse. I have no plans to compete, jump or go galloping about. If you think that this horse will still suit you if their work has to change slightly, and that you are prepared to have the added expense of supplements etc, then I think you should definitely stick with him.
I sympathize. Just had my Quanah pony x-rayed, and he is showing some prearthritic changes in his knee, at 10 yrs of age.
Anyway - my advice is to have the vet out and ask him/her to do some diagnostics. That way you'll know exactly what you're dealing with. It might be arthritis, but it might be something else - instead of or as well as.
The vet can also give you an idea of the kinds of things the horse will be able to do. What plans do you have for the horse?
Anyway - my advice is to have the vet out and ask him/her to do some diagnostics. That way you'll know exactly what you're dealing with. It might be arthritis, but it might be something else - instead of or as well as.
The vet can also give you an idea of the kinds of things the horse will be able to do. What plans do you have for the horse?
I think what you need to remember is no horse is ever 100% perfect.
Some have bad manners. Some buck/rear/spin. Some hate jumping. Some windsuck/cribbite. I could go on and on
I think you need to consider what you want from this horse. If you don't want any majorly high competition life, you are happy hacking, some low level bits and bobs, and quite possibly not much if any jumping, then he sounds a very suitable young (or old, sorry, didn't see his age mentioned!) man. You already really love him and have obviously 'clicked' with him very quickly. In my opinion, if he does what you want then I would keep him, because it is very hard to find a horse you get on so well with - whose to say the next one may not have arthiritis, but bucks when he spooks and you never get on?
One thing I will say tho is make sure you account for the extra cost of his supplements and medication and ensure you can afford this comfortably, including if it has to be increased
~cough~ any pictures of horsey?!
Some have bad manners. Some buck/rear/spin. Some hate jumping. Some windsuck/cribbite. I could go on and on
I think you need to consider what you want from this horse. If you don't want any majorly high competition life, you are happy hacking, some low level bits and bobs, and quite possibly not much if any jumping, then he sounds a very suitable young (or old, sorry, didn't see his age mentioned!) man. You already really love him and have obviously 'clicked' with him very quickly. In my opinion, if he does what you want then I would keep him, because it is very hard to find a horse you get on so well with - whose to say the next one may not have arthiritis, but bucks when he spooks and you never get on?
One thing I will say tho is make sure you account for the extra cost of his supplements and medication and ensure you can afford this comfortably, including if it has to be increased
~cough~ any pictures of horsey?!
ruby was diagnosed with arthritis in one hock in Dec - she has feedmark flexHA, cider vinegar & a homeopathic remedy for arthritis & regular shiatsu sessions & she is as sound & energetic as i could wish for BUT all this additional supplement & treatment regime does cost a fair bit so you might need to consider that before you make a decision
Stumpy has it in his fetlock, we took a chance when we bought him a year ago as he ticked all the boxes. He's been a great pony and has been sound up until this week when its all gone a bit wrong.
We had started him on a sup and the vet has just put him on bute as this is the first time he has gone lame. It was a chance we took and I'm glad that we did as he is a super pony and I hope that we can have him for many years to come.
good luck with whatever you decide.
We had started him on a sup and the vet has just put him on bute as this is the first time he has gone lame. It was a chance we took and I'm glad that we did as he is a super pony and I hope that we can have him for many years to come.
good luck with whatever you decide.
Get the vet out and get them to investigate thoroughly. I was told by a back lady that she suspected my mare had arthritis in her hocks. After a while she appeared to show the symptoms so got my vet out. She did flexion tests and told me she did have arthritis in hocks and fetlocks. 2 years later I'd moved to another county and had been treating Ziz for arthritis all that time. She was getting worse so got my new vet out who wasn't sure it was arthritis, but wanted to see the extent of any problems. Ziz went to be nerve blocked, turned out after a full investigation she didn't have arthritis in either hocks or fetlocks but had a problem with her front feet and very mild arthritis in her off fore coffin joint.
Remedial shoeing and careful trimming and an arthritis supplement have kept her sound ever since. With the correct shoeing / trimming she does stay sound but I keep the arthritis supplement going as a precaution.
Remedial shoeing and careful trimming and an arthritis supplement have kept her sound ever since. With the correct shoeing / trimming she does stay sound but I keep the arthritis supplement going as a precaution.
I think what you need to remember is no horse is ever 100% perfect.
Some have bad manners. Some buck/rear/spin. Some hate jumping. Some windsuck/cribbite. I could go on and on
I think you need to consider what you want from this horse. If you don't want any majorly high competition life, you are happy hacking, some low level bits and bobs, and quite possibly not much if any jumping, then he sounds a very suitable young (or old, sorry, didn't see his age mentioned!) man. You already really love him and have obviously 'clicked' with him very quickly. In my opinion, if he does what you want then I would keep him, because it is very hard to find a horse you get on so well with - whose to say the next one may not have arthiritis, but bucks when he spooks and you never get on?
One thing I will say tho is make sure you account for the extra cost of his supplements and medication and ensure you can afford this comfortably, including if it has to be increased
~cough~ any pictures of horsey?!
This is a great advice post from Dooey - and I'm going to add my own two pennies worth.
My horse was diagnosed with arthritis of his pasterns (ringbone) at 11 years old. I honestly thought my world, and his ridden days, were over. Gutted doesn't even come close.
My vet was wonderful.
The first thing he told me was that, owning an arthritic horse did not automatically mean the end of its working life. In fact, the reverse is true, because work actually prevents the joints stiffening up.
He also recommended Pernamax. Google it and have a look on the website. It aint cheap, but I'll tell you this much - it brought my badly, bilaterally lame horse sound within 14 days three years ago and honestly, he has never looked back. He is even jumping again, which is something that my vet thought, with ringbone, he would never be able to do again. He recently won a dressage competition and is as sound as a bloody pound. I put it in his feed every day and would never, ever be without it.
Don't give up, at this stage, is what I'm saying.
Speak to your vet and try different supplements - you WILL find something that works for you.
Good luck.
Sultan was diagnosed with arthritis in his hock about 3 years ago, it has now fused and he is 100% sound. But it has taken the best part of 3 years of bute, buteless, cortaflex etc and knowing when to back off and not push him. As well as box rest etc.
However now he is only on cortaflex, which he could probably do without but i pick to feed it him. Also i dont jump him except very occasionally over ditches out riding etc, again this is my own choice. But he does dressage very successful.
If the horse is perfect in every way then think about it. But have the vet out to give there opinion. But do be careful because Sultan has taken alot of time and money to get sound again. But it was all worth it, because he is perfect to me.
However now he is only on cortaflex, which he could probably do without but i pick to feed it him. Also i dont jump him except very occasionally over ditches out riding etc, again this is my own choice. But he does dressage very successful.
If the horse is perfect in every way then think about it. But have the vet out to give there opinion. But do be careful because Sultan has taken alot of time and money to get sound again. But it was all worth it, because he is perfect to me.
T
ThirdTimeLucky
Guest
I know its hard but I would have him looked at, xrayed if need be. I bought my Kali as a 3 year old, I backed her when she hit four, had been in light work for 3 months then went 2 tenths lame in her hind limbs.
Turned out to be arthritis in both hocks, all 4 joints. Vet said its the worst and youngest he had ever seen. She was retired by the time she was 5. I still have her and will have her for life but it is very expensive and heart breaking at times to keep her comfortable. She is 6 now and after 18 months off is just starting to do some walk hacking again, but she will never do anymore than that. I understand that she is a very rare case but thought you should know what could happen.
She needs lots of turn out, as would any horse with arthritis as look at the yard you plan to keep him at and if he could have turn out all year round. Expect to have to buy supplements, fancy boots, etc etc.
If you feel you could manage that and the possibility of reduced riding at times then go for it just follow your head not your heart.
Good luck whatever you decide, pm if you want any more info.
xx
Turned out to be arthritis in both hocks, all 4 joints. Vet said its the worst and youngest he had ever seen. She was retired by the time she was 5. I still have her and will have her for life but it is very expensive and heart breaking at times to keep her comfortable. She is 6 now and after 18 months off is just starting to do some walk hacking again, but she will never do anymore than that. I understand that she is a very rare case but thought you should know what could happen.
She needs lots of turn out, as would any horse with arthritis as look at the yard you plan to keep him at and if he could have turn out all year round. Expect to have to buy supplements, fancy boots, etc etc.
If you feel you could manage that and the possibility of reduced riding at times then go for it just follow your head not your heart.
Good luck whatever you decide, pm if you want any more info.
xx
Apple cider vinegar is relatively cheap lasts ages and is supposed to really help, my horse has just started on it as his joints are always creaking and cracking. I am trying to take it myself as my joints especially hands are very painful and it is supposed to be great but I can't swallow it even watered down. Luckily King doesn't mind it at all in his bed time feed.
I think if you can afford to take the chance and he feels right for you and you are going to be able to do what you want with him then you should take him. Maybe you can get some money knocked off the buying price as you are having these problems to go towards his care?
I think if you can afford to take the chance and he feels right for you and you are going to be able to do what you want with him then you should take him. Maybe you can get some money knocked off the buying price as you are having these problems to go towards his care?
I'm another one who says don't give up - my boy has arthritis in his near side knee, and it doesn't hold us back at all, I just have to be carefull about the amount of work we do, and the type of ground we run on. He is on a daily dose of devils relief, but have tried a number of suplements before finding this that is working
Another problem you can have with an arthritic horse is how to keep him. Quanah can't go and live at my RS with seven other horses, because he exercises himself too much and goes lame. Luckily for me, I live on a farm and have an elderly gelding to provide sedate company.
I think what you need to remember is no horse is ever 100% perfect.
Some have bad manners. Some buck/rear/spin. Some hate jumping. Some windsuck/cribbite. I could go on and on
I think you need to consider what you want from this horse. If you don't want any majorly high competition life, you are happy hacking, some low level bits and bobs, and quite possibly not much if any jumping, then he sounds a very suitable young (or old, sorry, didn't see his age mentioned!) man. You already really love him and have obviously 'clicked' with him very quickly. In my opinion, if he does what you want then I would keep him, because it is very hard to find a horse you get on so well with - whose to say the next one may not have arthiritis, but bucks when he spooks and you never get on?
One thing I will say tho is make sure you account for the extra cost of his supplements and medication and ensure you can afford this comfortably, including if it has to be increased
~cough~ any pictures of horsey?!
could have said it better myself
theres lots of things on the market you can buy that wont cost the earth, if the horse is perfect for you and your happy with what you can do with him i would have to say keep him, you could always have a look around for another while you still have him, but i would be thinking what if you send him back and cant find something as perfect for you as he is? also its not a defernate yet i would get the vet out and see what he says.
best of luck and keep us updated wont you.
Arthritis - don't know what to do - help
Your vet might already have suggested it, and is your horse's treatment already, but if not, Cartrophen injections do help. It is expensive, and they are given four in all, one, every three weeks.
After that, Cosequine (think that correct spelling) which is a veterinary preparation is supposed to help a lot, as maintainence, but I've only just put my horse on that, so not sure just how effective it will be.
Incidentally, my horse was on permanent bute, and she still seems comfortable without it, and I have used the Cartrophen in the past, with good results. One set of injections isn't permanent though, but she did seem to cope for a few years last time.
Not sure if that helps or not, but thought would suggest anyway.
Good Luck!
Roseanne x
Your vet might already have suggested it, and is your horse's treatment already, but if not, Cartrophen injections do help. It is expensive, and they are given four in all, one, every three weeks.
After that, Cosequine (think that correct spelling) which is a veterinary preparation is supposed to help a lot, as maintainence, but I've only just put my horse on that, so not sure just how effective it will be.
Incidentally, my horse was on permanent bute, and she still seems comfortable without it, and I have used the Cartrophen in the past, with good results. One set of injections isn't permanent though, but she did seem to cope for a few years last time.
Not sure if that helps or not, but thought would suggest anyway.
Good Luck!
Roseanne x
N
northern_rachel
Guest
Taras artheritic in both hocks and on half a sachet of bute on wet/cold/stiff and generally bad days.
She's perfectly happy!
The only thing that holds her back is that she finds it hard to balance herself in canter, so we only hack and are planning the odd walk trot test
She's perfectly happy!
The only thing that holds her back is that she finds it hard to balance herself in canter, so we only hack and are planning the odd walk trot test
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