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Discussion on Performance possibilites following arthritis diagnosis?
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New Member:
Juliem11
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Posted on Sunday, May 11, 2003 - 10:52 am:
My 10 year old TB gelding was diagnosed with arthritis in his lower back and scar tissue in his right hip. This was following a pasture fall and subsequent short strideness in his right side (very subtle) two years ago. Following a regime of three chiro/deep muscle fascia and acupuncture treatments, he was brought back slowly into work. He was given legend shots monthly and is on cosequin/msm. Five months later, he is doing great - low jumping (which he had done before) and other kinds of English flat work. Can I return him to showing (2'6" jumps)? Is there a way to tell how good his long term prognosis will be? He is a special guy and I don't want to overtax him.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Sunday, May 11, 2003 - 3:46 pm:
How was the arthritis in the back diagnosed and which articulations of which vertebrae were affected?
DrO
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Member:
Juliem11
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Posted on Monday, May 12, 2003 - 9:25 am:
My vet did a lameness exam - flexion, etc. and made the determination from that - he didn't say which vertebrae. The muscle over my gelding's right hip had also atrophied and was noticeably smaller than the left. With work it is better, although you can still tell it's not even.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, May 12, 2003 - 9:17 pm:
Julie, it is almost certain your horse has arthritis in the vertebrae: almost all horses do when looked at on the necropsy table. But evidence of pain from this is rare and painful arthritis of the vertebrae cannot be diagnosed from the exam you describe: there would not be enough information. Because I do not know what is wrong with your horse I cannot judge if he will be able to jump higher. But if the horse is sound, I do not know why more jumping is not a possiblility.
On the other hand hind limb muscle atrophy following a injury is likely to underly a serious injury. I would be surprised if there is no evidence of lameness behind, it may just be hard to see.
DrO
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