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  Discussion on Artithis of the facets - causing outgrowth on spine - Treatments Options Other than Steriods?
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New Member:
jetski53

Posted on Saturday, Aug 7, 2010 - 11:23 am:

I have a 15yr old gelding who was diagnosed 2 years ago with arthritis of his cervical articular facets. It was discovered when he has a suspension injury in his front left leg. The issues are in C5-C6 and C6-C7. We have injected them before with 50mg of DepomeDrOl using Ultrasound guidance. It worked well.

However, the recent injections in April worked for about 2 weeks and then his neurological systems actually got worse. It was right after the injections. He went from stiff movement (needing injections) to actual neurological signs under saddle. I was told it was not related to the injections but it seemed very odd to me. He has not gotten better and the vet now said I have to retire him.

I am told that the bony outgrowths from the arthritis in the facets are putting pressure on his spinal cord and in turn causing neurological issues. I am told there is no treatment for this issue. So my horse in his prime is now a pasture horse.

I am wondering if there are any options or new advances for this situation. I have read all the articles and they all point to steroid injections which would great for inflammation. But if there is bone out growth now - can shock wave therapy be an option?

Since this seems to be a common issue in the equine community I am hopeful that there might be some advances in this area that my vet might not be aware of.

I also found it odd that right after the injections I experienced neurological signs under saddle for the first time. So I wonder if there is something else going on.

Looking for any help or advice.

Thank you!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Aug 8, 2010 - 7:23 am:

Welcome Andrea,
The neurological signs are related to the instability of the cervical vertebrae created by the degenerating facets and the condition called cervical stenotic myelopathy. There are surgeries that can stabilize the vertebrae if the problem is isolated to just a few joints for more on this see HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Nervous System » Incoordination, Weakness, Spasticity, Tremors » Wobblers or Cervical Stenotic Myelopathy.
DrO
New Member:
jetski53

Posted on Sunday, Aug 8, 2010 - 8:55 pm:

Thank you Dr. Oglesby. I was told surgery wasn't an option because the "basket" surgery wouldn't solve for his issue. I am not sure that I understand the difference. Does arthritis with the bony outgrowths produce a different issue than what is outlined in the article?

Secondly, would there be a reason that AFTER his injections his signs actually got worse? Literally within weeks after wards his clinical signs got worse. I found that odd and no one could explain it.

Third, if surgery is indeed an option, would a 15yr old horse be a candidate? All the articles I read - the surgery is performed on younger horses. Is it too late for a horse that has already had steroid injections and is 15?

Thank you.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 10, 2010 - 2:25 pm:

You will have to ask why the basket surgery would not help because I do not know why not. The injections do nothing for the pressure on the spinal cord just relieves the inflammation associated with the arthritic facets.

As to whether this horse would be a candidate for your horse will depend on the prognosis of the surgery, your goals, and and your resources and cannot be determined by me or really anyone else. Best is to sit down with a surgeon who could perform the surgery with all the facts and hash this out.
DrO
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