Im worried...........

Question

the vet basically said pleasure and trail would do him good. The instructor was referring to the leg with the osslet not in the joint.

Answer 1

fish oil is a really good joint supplement that works to keep the joints healthy. this could work for a bit. you can get like 250 fish oil pills from walmart 4 like $7. give him some of those (prob 2 or 3 per day)

Best of luck 2 ur horse!

Answer 2

For one thing I would really find out what your limitations and preventative care are with him from the vet and listen to her.

Although your instructor was very opinionated about his future, no one really knows for sure and can only go by their past experiences and knowledge but to say it IS rather than COULD happen could be over the top a little but not impossible.  

Maybe he wasn't the best choice for your needs but I admire your soul for wanting to give him a better life and a good home...hopefully knowing that the future might hold some uncertanity for you.

So, find out from the vet if you should use protective equipment, how much exercise and like I mentioned before, the do's and don'ts with him.

Sometimes just having a great friend and knowing you did something good for an animal..and grooming and spending times with them is as rewarding as a nice ride!!

Love him and enjoy him....and watch out for him for as long as possible!!  Just don't let your expectations be more than he can safely give you...and from the sounds of it you won't.

Many happy rides to you and your guy!!

Answer 3

Well, your horse will not die b/c of a injury to a leg. You probably want to start riding him slowly, if he shows ANY sign of lameness, take him to the vet and stop riding. He will never be a show jumper of any sorts, but he can still be a loving companion and roam around. Its good that you gave him a home. Some of those horses are the best ones around.  

Answer 4

When the vet says that he is in good shape she qualifies it with "for being on the track as long as he has".  He has involvement of the fetlock joint with the osselot...that's a big deal if it affects the joint....if it is just near the joint, it's not a big deal.

I don't know what your instructor means by his leg will lock... is she referring to the hock?  The problem you describe is simply a tenderness of the hock.  Is there more?  Is the stifle joint involved?  What does she think will "lock" in 5 years?  I would need to know what joints are actually involved to even guess at this, and what did the vet tell you about this horse's prognosis and how to deal with it?

Answer 5

You really should be asking a vet this, preferably a vet with experience handling these type of issues.

I previously owned a horse with cystic navicular in one front foot and a fractured coffin bone in the other (both from well before I bought him - stupid me, I didn't have x-rays at my vet check) and corrective shoes cost me a fortune, his lameness limited what I could do with him and in the end he had to be euthanized. It was very hard, but it was much kinder than me keeping him in pain because that's what I wanted.

Answer 6

Well since you bought him, the best idea is just to give him the longest and happiest life possible. Whatever you do do not begin jumping him, and if you do decide to work him, I'd keep it light and calm with a lot of patient walking to get him warmed up. If he seems to be sensitive to any movement, I'd consider letting him stop as soon as he acts lame.

Personally, I'd say that he is going to be a nice companion horse, and the best way to keep him secure and safe is to provide him a pasture to walk around in. It does wonders for a horse to get pasture-rest. Keep the vet on call, spend some money and keep watching after him. Unfortunately, if he begins to hurt in later years, you may have to put him down early, but I would contact your vet and tell them quite simply that you want to do all you can to keep your horse sound, healthy and happy. Ask them for a prediction of later years, ask your VET if his leg will lock - and who cares what a businessman says?

I would have been instructed to never take on the "problem pony" horse because he is 15, bucked, reared, kicked, bit - the works. Now that he is going well I guarantee someone would tell me to sell him because he isn't exactly what I need for dressage, but I'm NOT going to listen to that advice, that's for sure. He's got a permanent home, I think it's lovely that you're willing to take the time for this horse.

Good luck, just keep in your mind that someday you may have to make the decision to put him to sleep.