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  Discussion on Arthritis or Something Else?
Author Message
Member:
Cowgrl

Posted on Monday, Apr 26, 2004 - 10:42 am:

Hi,
My 18 year old appy gelding has recently been having trouble standing and does not want to stand if he's been lying down for long periods. When I do get him to stand, he first goes on his knees and raises himself from there. Once up, he doesn't want to put weight on his hind legs and is very stiff behind and is reluctant to walk. However, he works out of it after a short walk and is sound. In fact, just the other day he was bucking and playing with his pasture pals.

This horse is long backed and his hind legs are very straight. I would call them post legs having very little angulation in the hocks. He has not suffered any trauma although my little mustang did kick him (no shoes) last week in the flank area but this started before then. The kick did not result in any soreness or swelling so I doubt this contributed to what's going on.

I have ordered some joint supplements for him (Corti-Flx) and hope this will help him out. It really troubles me to see him so uncomfortable.

Could this be arthitis? I read the article but my horse is not showing any inflammation or soreness to the legs. I know it's hard to diagnose without seeing the horse, but any information would be welcome.

Thanks All.

Holly
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 27, 2004 - 7:34 am:

You are right, from here it is hard to diagnose why your horse might be stiff. Since this is a recent change I would suggest a good physical exam, perhaps that is not the only kick he has received?
DrO
Member:
Cowgrl

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 27, 2004 - 10:37 am:

He's not turned out regularly with the one that kicked him. Three of our horses are in small sacrifice paddocks right now and I turned them out with one that has a 1/2 acre paddock for some social time. I keep an eye on them when they're together just to make sure they are getting along alright and this is the first time the mustang kicked the appy. Generally they get along like aces. I'll schedule a vet visit and have him checked over.

Thanks Doc!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 28, 2004 - 7:57 am:

To prepare for the vet visit see Equine Diseases » Lameness » The Diagnosis of Lameness in the Horse. There is a section on rule outs for "stiff appearing horses".
DrO
Member:
Cowgrl

Posted on Thursday, Apr 29, 2004 - 10:38 am:

I had Cisco at the vet yesterday and after a battery of tests and x-rays - he has arthritis in both rear fetlocks. Doing the flexion tests really showed the right was much worse than the left. To arrest any further development, the vet injected both hocks and fetlocks with steriods (Kenalog) and he will be put on joint supplements for the duration.

The vet said if the steriods work we may expect him to be comfortable and with less pain for the next 3 to 6 months (more if the supplements work).

The other option was put him on a medication called Legend that would have to be administered I.V. once a week for 4 weeks, then once every two weeks, etc. Although this would be the best way to go, it's cost prohibitive.

Cisco will be on light duty for the next month but after that he can go back to regular work. Unfortunately, this horse has a lot of hard mountain miles on his legs and with so little angulation in his hocks, he will probably continue to have painful joints. We will do what we can for him though.

I have a feeling his future includes a good home with a little girl who will love him and ride him on easy trails.

Thank Dr.O. I'll read the article you suggested.

Holly
Member:
Cowgrl

Posted on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - 11:16 am:

Cisco update. It's been 3 weeks since I had Cisco's hocks and fetlocks injected and it had appeared he was getting worse instead of better. He's also been on the recommended dosage of Corti-Flx and I also started adding Missing Link with Joint Protection to his feed as well.

Last weekend my quarterhorse WooDrOw tried to engage him in a game and although the spirit was willing, it was too uncomfortable for Cisco to even trot, let alone canter. He did one buck and jump and that was it. However, Monday I noticed a big difference. He was walking easier, didn't seem so stiff, and had a happier attitude. He was also eating better, which made me happy. I watched him closely thinking maybe he just had a good day but yesterday (Tuesday) was much the same. He seemed in good spirits and was walking without a hitch. Cisco has an appointment with the vet for teeth work this weekend so I think I'll have them redo the flexion tests to see if they think so too. I was about to start him on one bute a day but I really don't want to go that route.

Hopefully the ol' boy is on a rebound and we will have my husband's favorite back to feeling well and pain free.

Holly
Member:
Onehorse

Posted on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - 12:09 pm:

Holly,

I have an 18 year old quarter horse who has a lot of miles on him also. And appears to have behaved somewhat similar to Cisco for awhile - regarding stiffness and perhaps DJD/arthritis.

Basically ... x-rays, flexion tests, lameness exams, etc. - and my vet concluded the on-set of an arthritic condition. LEGEND was also an alternative but my vet recommended holding off until much later and use various supplements for now.

Eventually, I found a joint supplement called Joint Discovery by US Nutritionals (www.usanimalnutritionals.com) that had a remarkable effect. It has also been used by several of my friends with older horses and they all report similar improvements.

My horse was on ChonDrOcyte (vet prescription joint supplement) for about a year ... it helped, but marginally ... then I tried Joint Discovery and in about three weeks major change started to occur.

My horse is now completely ridable and doing extremely well. He can be ridden several days in a row without showing stiffness (granted I don't ride him as hard as before and give him longer to warm up) but he's good for long trail rides.

He is now on Joint Discovery and gets a shot of Adequan once a month. LEGEND has still not been required. This has been for about 6 months. If what you're using ceases to bring about the desired effect, perhaps this will be helpful.

Hope Cisco continues his improvement.

Rick
Member:
Cowgrl

Posted on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - 3:21 pm:

Hi Rick,
My vet also suggested Legend, once a week at $100 a pop! I can't remember what the vet gave him, I think it was Adequan. Would the vet prescribe it so you can give the shots yourself or do you have to have the vet inject?

I will definitely look into Joint Discovery for Cisco. That's great about your horse. I would hate to have to give Cisco up since he's such a great guy, so sweet and gives everyone a good ride.

Thanks a lot Rick. I appreciate the information.

Holly
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