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  Discussion on 22 y/o team roping Quarter horse
Author Message
Member:
Reuben

Posted on Monday, Nov 4, 2002 - 3:52 pm:

I've just aquired this horse and although he is very experienced he is no where near legged up. After light trotting for about 20 to 25 minutes he is pretty gimpy the next AM. 2 grms of Bute twice daily helps but I wonder if I should put rhis horse on a joint supplement and if so what? Also, how long can he tolerate the Bute w/o gastro problems? He currently gets free choice Coastal Bermuda and 2 gallons of mixed whole oats and Equine Senior daily.I have read some research on joint supplements that are pretty negative regarding overall beneficial results. Thanks. Rube
Member:
Chrism

Posted on Monday, Nov 4, 2002 - 7:06 pm:

Hi Rube,

I believe I would have the vet out for a full lameness work up while he is exhibiting lameness symptoms. It may be that there is something specific that can be addressed medically, or he may helped with shoeing changes, saddle fit changes, dental work or a joint injection.

It really all depends on what is hurting him that gets worse with work.

Chris

Member:
Paul303

Posted on Monday, Nov 4, 2002 - 7:29 pm:

You really do need the lameness work up, but if you plan to rope with this horse you may face some disappointment. A long roping career can take a toll on a horse's legs. As for the bute, my own feelings are that every horse is not the same. Some tolerate it less well than others. I have a navicular mare ( 22 yrs. old ) that has been on it since the eighties, with no problems. Without it, she hurts. She is also on Cosequin for a number of years now. If it helps her or not, I can't say for sure. I've read all the research I can find on those products and it sounds credible to me. One thing I know for sure is that it helps ME, knowing that she is on it.
Member:
Mwebster

Posted on Monday, Nov 4, 2002 - 7:41 pm:

2g 2x/day is a lot of bute -- more than you want to give on a longterm basis. Christine and Elizabeth are right - get a lameness evaluation from a good vet. And I agree with Elizabeth that you may need to adjust the horse's work accordingly (he may not be up to the career you envision). If so, try to find him a job he can do at this stage of his life.
Melissa
Member:
Reuben

Posted on Monday, Nov 4, 2002 - 8:24 pm:

Thanks to all for the good suggestions. He isn't lame, he seems to get "stove up" as we say in Texas. I worked him today at the 25 min. level and he was moving out really well. I only plan to use him as a back up horse for my other 3, 2 of which are currently on injured waivers. One had a wreck and tore his chest open and the other ruptured a peroneus tertius tendon. Both are gettin better but I'm looking at next spring for both of them. Anyway, I may go ahead and put this horse on some sort of joint supplement. His creakiness is in his hips and/or stifle. Most likely it's arthritis/djd. His appetite is good so he will probably eat a supplement with no problem. Rube
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 5, 2002 - 4:31 am:

Whether we call it gimpy, stove up, or lame they all suggest a chronic pain problem in the leg. I agree with the others above a specific problem that is treatable might be found. For instance DJD in the hocks is very responsive to intrarticular steroids.

To address your other questions directly we have articles on the use of bute and oral joint supplements at » Equine Medications and Nutriceuticals » Anti-inflammatories, Steroids, and Arthritis Treatment.

One comment is that older horses usually clear bute more slowly from their systems so you might find 2 grams once daily just as beneficial and much less likely to cause problems over the long run.
DrO
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