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  Discussion on Shoulder Lameness
Author Message
Member:
judyhens

Posted on Sunday, Feb 8, 2009 - 8:22 pm:

We have a solid diagnosis of shoulder lameness in a horse. Some calcification in tissue. A few shock wave treatments were done without significant improvement. We will take him anywhere in the U.S. that could potentially help this horse. He has been to A & M. This is not a massive lameness - even without bute he looks fine much of the time. But it is clearly there to those of us who know him and we don't want to show him again until we get this figured out. Occurred secondary to trauma coming down hard on a breeding mount. Currently on paddock rest...as much as he will rest. I.E. he trots, bucks, gallops, etc, on cold, windy days. Haven't been riding him for about 9 months. 12 1/2 years old. X-rays don't show any significant arthritic changes in his joints and ultrasounds of tendons are all normal. Hooves are great. Any suggestions for where to find the best shoulder lameness specialists in this country? We have a CD of the imaging of the shoulder. We could easily transmit or send it anywhere. Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Judy
Member:
andym

Posted on Sunday, Feb 8, 2009 - 9:40 pm:

Judy,
A very, very excellent Veterinarian for legs and lameness is Dr R L Genovese, DVM at his Randall Veterinary Hospital, Inc located at 20600 Miles Parkway, Cleveland, Ohio 44128.
His phone 216-662-6404
My personal experience by him and that of my trainer has always been very good. Very reputable. That's where I'd go.
Good luck with your problem.
Andy
New Member:
mitch316

Posted on Sunday, Feb 8, 2009 - 9:45 pm:

Hey Judy, I don't know if this will help or not, but I am about 60 miles from Lexington KY, and they have some of the best equine leg doctors in the world. We sent a few of our patients here to one in specific and he treated them really well, but was very very expensive. He treats mainly thoroughbreds whose owners have plenty of money. But there are others besides him that can do an MRI or CT scan on him. If I had to guess, I would say his injury in deeper than an ultra sound can reach and may be around the socket. If you have calcification, they have a new treatment to add fluid around the cartilage, but I assume very few vets are using it yet (Dr. O can shed more light on this than I can). I could send you some names and numbers if you would like, or you can Google Lexington and go to the cities official page and then click on "Kentucky Horse Park" and find a link to equine vets there. Hope this helps!
Member:
mrose

Posted on Sunday, Feb 8, 2009 - 9:46 pm:

I would also suggest Alamo Pintado. You can go to their website to check them out: www.alamopintado.com They have a fantastic facility,with everything imaginable for diagnostics including MRI machine, digital US, etc. plus amazing rehab stuff. If you can't find anything closer, I'd suggest at least looking at their site. I have a mare I would certianly have lost without their help. Good luck!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Feb 9, 2009 - 8:45 am:

Hello Judy,
Texas A&M is a fine school for the diagnosis of lameness as the head of the Equine Department is considered one of the better lameness diagnosticians in the country though feet do tend to be his specialty. Do they say they have taken this as far as possible? Another good choice would be Colorado State, particularly if this turns out to be a joint disease.
DrO
Member:
leslie1

Posted on Monday, Feb 9, 2009 - 10:41 am:

Wayne McIlwraithe DMV of Colorada State. He is the director of the Orthopedic research there. I emailed him some questions I had about my filly with OCD. He was kind enough to call me and talk with me about it. Obviously the top in his field but what was neat was his taking the time to explain everything to me. Very nice Doctor. He even emailed me a follow up to see how she was doing.
Leslie
Member:
mrose

Posted on Monday, Feb 9, 2009 - 11:25 am:

I have dealt with Dr. McIlwraithe also. He is a legend here in the west, and is wonderful to deal with.
Member:
judyhens

Posted on Monday, Feb 9, 2009 - 6:16 pm:

Thanks so much for everyone's input. I am currently out of town on an office computer, so will follow-up when I get home. No, A & M has not given up on the horse. They have done a ton of tests, including imaging, ultrasounds, x-rays, blocks, etc. Essentially normal until imaging was done of the shoulder. He was put on paddock rest. They thought it might take a year for remodeling to occur. We are closing in on a year and still see occasional off steps. This stallion means everything to us. He has no previous history of lameness or any other health problems. He is not taking any meds. His mind and his attitude are the best of the best. His offspring are excelling in the show ring. We definitely want to get another opinion. Perhaps consider different treatment options. I will read each email thoroughly when I get home. Again, your suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Judy
Member:
mrose

Posted on Monday, Feb 9, 2009 - 8:15 pm:

Judy, having had a couple of horse with severe injuries, I can tell you it might well take more than a year for full recovery and that recovery is several steps forward followed by some backward. This is especially true if you are dealing with tendons, which I suspect you may be dealing with. We own two stallions that we bred and foaled out, and love to death, so I sure know where you're coming from. A second opinion wouldn't hurt, but if you are dealing with A&M you're dealing with some of the best. What have they said about his long range prognosis? Have you followed their given protocal to the letter?
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