Need help for arthritic fetlocks.

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From: Sarah Zawacki 
Email: zawackis@pilot.msu.edu

	Hi.  My six year old Egyptian, 
Elliot, was diagnosed at Michigan State
with an arthritic left fetlock.  I'm 
very relieved because we were
afraid it was EPM (one vet diagnosed 
EPM clinically, without a spinal). The
problem is that he is only six, and if
he has noticable arthritis right now, 
how will I ever be able to do endurance
with him?  I know that there must be
active horses out there with arthritis,
and I was hoping that some of you could
tell me about your experiences with and
management of arthritis.  The vet at 
State said that he is concerned about
endurance riding because the ankle is
"not a forgiving joint" and that
arthritic hocks are much easier to manage.  Any wisdom?  I'd truly appreciate any advice, because I suspect that how I treat it now will impact Elliot tremendously five or ten years 
from now.  He's an ex-racehorse, no 
health problems thus far other than 
this, and we've done one competitive
trail ride (25 miles) without a problem.
Suggestions?   ---Sarah