I just bought a "retired" race horse. He is a five year old gelding and is said to have a calsified chip..

Question

that does not bother him, the lady said that it's not floating, x rays were taken and there is nothing wrong with him, they even raced him after that....I want to know if it is possible that that is true because I talked to another friend who said he is basically useless. I am going to call the vet first thing Monday but wanted to know if anyone else has any hope for me that he will be ok, of course until he gets older then she said as he ages it will probably bother him with arthritis....I am hoping I didn't just get taken for a ride....:) Thank You!!!!

Answer 1

Few things; 1, why does your friend say he's worthless? Is he bad mannered? 2, where is the chip located? 3, what do you plan on using him for?

What happens all depends on those 3 questions I guess.

Answer 2

Many horses go on to have successful performance careers despite having a chip or two. It can cause lameness, but as long as the horse is sound I wouldn't worry about it. Chips can also be removed arthroscopically if they become a problem, and it is a very easy and (relatively) cheap surgery with a short recovery time.

Answer 3

Well, he certainly is not useless. Arthritis is always present. If the chip is calcified in a place that wont aggravate the horse you have just purchased a great new friend. Race horses are subjected to so many things pleasure horses are not you'll enjoy everything. They are usually so much more aware and broke better due to the hazards of racing.....just have the vet give an exam first no sense in taking x rays when there probably taken already. Good luck!!

Answer 4

Hi Nick - having a calsified chip doesn't necessarily mean that there will be problems so don't feel immediately downhearted.  It would be good to know where it is though and also what you intend to do with the horse as this could have an effect on his future performance.  I work with a variety of horses and owners looking at training programmes, behavioural issues and sports massage so its likely I will have come across this before if you could post any more detailed info.  And on the arthritis issue - lets face it we all get a bit creaky as we get older and it can be managed with supplements and the right exercise.  Getting the vet in to look at it and talk to you about it is most definately the right course of action and then depending on what he says, there are a wealth of complimentary practitioners out there eg. sports massage, chiropracters that may be able to help.  Understanding the issue and learning how to work with it is the best way forward.  Good luck and enjoy your new horse!

Hi - vet is definately the best person to advise as to whether or not to remove it.  Not a showing expert but I would imagine as long as it doesn't effect his action there shouldn't be a problem.  Again, your vet will be able to advise you of this depending on exactly where the calcification is so hopefully there person you bought him off will still have the xrays to save you the expense.  You could start putting good old cod liver oil in his feed now to help keep joints lubricated.  Joint-Flex is another supplement that owners I know have used and been impressed with though this is usually given to older horses.  Not ever used this product myself so can't comment from personal experience.  Sounds like you'll have a great time with him, showing certainly won't stress joints in the same way racing does - enjoy and post the results of your vets visited, am interested in the outcome!