Help-Hock Joint Fusion

["guest@endurance.net" <guest@endurance.net>]

Carol Willcocks Carolwillcocks@hotmail.com
Hi all
I was hoping someone out there may have some information or experience with the problem my mare has. She's 18yo and has had some recurring lameness in her hind leg, which has been diagnosed as caused by a bone spur and hock joint (spavin) damage/wear and tear. The vet suggested cortisone may help, but obviously this is swabbable, and the lesser dose given 3 days before competition is not going to be effective at this late stage. My vet says a long rest until the joint actually fuses may help, and that she could go on to compete later. (I only wish to complete one more 80km ride on her to get her scroll, it's not a case of "flogging a tired horse" and she's an extremely fit, young and competitive 18yo!)So please don't flame me for not wanting to retire her! Does anyone have any experience as to whether a vet at a preride would allow a horse with a fused joint to compete? According to my vet, it is quite common in trotting/pacing circles, but how would an endurance horse manage, and would her uneven-looking, but actually pain
free and "regular" gait be acceptable? Any and all advice would be appreciated and taken to heart.
Thanks in advance
Carol and Poppett(Tipperary Pandora) from Down Under


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