Leigh wrote:
Donald, I'm belatedly finding this thread -- I'm so sorry that Altea is hurting!
Stardust has fairly arthritic hocks -- I've found that accupuncture and chiropractic work helps some.
I also have tried to other things, both with John, my vet.
I've not talked with my vet about chiropractic, but he is an accupuncturist and has done some work with my mature, well, coming into late life for a Lab, dog and I see considerable improvement along with using supplements and weight loss. I know he does horse accupuncture too.
Leigh wrote:
First is magnetic hock boots. John is a fan of them, with the caveat that the magnets need to be strong enough. If you're interested, I'll look at what kind mine are. (I think he's recommended these:
http://www.emersonww.com/EquineBioFlexInfo.htm, but I should double check.)
I'll look into this.
Leigh wrote:
Secondly, and I know that people have widely differing opinions about this, but Stardust gets hock injections yearly, with hyaluronic acid to increase lubrication in the joints.
http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-healt ... 25382.aspxI've read up on it, and I know my vet uses this method, but he's conservative about it.
Leigh wrote:
I'm finding that once a year seems to be enough to keep him comfortable. (I haven't used his hock boots in a while, for example.) I am not a fan of frequent injections, especially because there is some risk involved (the joint can get infected), but Stardust has had them 6 times with no problems.
Lastly, and you probably already know far more about this than I do, but apparently there is a period where arthritis flares up and then the hocks fuse a bit.
More here:
http://www.todayshorse.com/Experts/DrJa ... 0Hocks.htmHope this is helpful, and I hope she feels better!
Best,
Leigh
I've only recently read about how the fusion takes place. It's said that it happens for some horses and not other but that steroids can bring it on though it's a painful period for the horse. For her to be able to run and play again, just as it would for me had I a similar condition, I think the choice would be to go with the pain that precedes recovery. I'll "consult" with her, but everything about how she moves and wants to move and how hard she'll try even when I can see it hurts her tells me what her choice would be.
She and Bonnie are, now that weaning is pretty much over (she doesn't have to go all snakey headed to keep Bonnie away from her udder), becoming "herd buddies." Very sweet to see them taking care of each other and trying to play together. I'll love to see them able to run together. Interesting, I made a typing error in that sentence. I meant to type "I'd love to them," but typed "I'll," instead. Seems I've made up my mind to go all out for Altea.
My Kate and I were talking just last evening over a glass of wine and discussing how nice it would be for her to have Altea to ride. Easy straight forward work would be the right thing for both she and Altea. We even are on a diet regimen to bring out weight into a range I consider more safe for riding. Looks like we are committed.
And thank you for the information. I'll take up those leads you gave.
Donald
Baby Bonnie (about three months old at the time) and Altea going with the Old Man to play in the deep dark forest.