My horse has OCD?

Question

he is 4 and he has just had an operation on both stifles. What future does he have? Obviously he cant be retired as a brood mare! and at 17.2hh no one will want him as a companion. Will he be able to lead a useful life or not?

Answer 1

When your horse is fully recovered from his operation there are a few things he could have as a future if he is not able to have regular riding or is allowed only light exercise.

He could be a companion, there are lots of people in this world and your city and where you live-- chances are one of them would like a companion for another horse.

You could also donate him to a Therapeutic Riding Center if he is ridable at all. He would have to be a calm horse for this though.

If he's ridable after he's recovered he could also possibly be a lesson horse? If he is only be able to take walking and a little weight on his back to could donate him and request he be used just for young 3 year olds learning to ride and being lead around? Once again he would have to be a calm horse for this.

Answer 2

http://www.recoveryeq.com/osteochondrosi...

http://www.equineortho.colostate.edu/que...

Your vet will be able to give you a prognosis and opinion on whether or not your horse will be able to handle being ridden after a bout of OCD....

I would say his prognosis is, "guarded"; but then, I'm not your vet.

If you are still unsure of the outcome for your horse then you might get a second opinion from another vet.

Answer 3

At first I thought, "What, obsessive compulsive disorder?!"  :P

Are you unable to keep him as a companion?

Answer 4

I'm almost fifty six, have had Chronic Arthritis also due from a Horse falling on me. Which broke my back and pelvic.

"Recovery" I hear is a good product. Could you let someone older have her, that loves Horses and put her in retirement?

I bought a Mare with the same problem, and I only spoil her, I already knew what she had. So yes, there are kind people still left out there, that will let her retire.

I named mine Angel. She begs to ride! Sometimes when it's cool, I'll give in to her, but it's only a light ride. No saddle. We are best friends. The people were going to take her to Auction, but this beautiful Paint deserved loving care, and friendship.

Below is an excellent Site on your Horse.

Answer 5

Osteochondrosis can be treated, but sometimes surgery is necessary.  There is also a natural supplement that may help, but you should really talk to your vet about your horse's specific condition.  

You should also get a second opinion with a condition such as this.

Nobody can predict what the future holds for your horse.  What do the radiographs seem to indicate?  How is the horse's conformation?

A vet would be better able to help you answer your questions...sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Answer 6

yer that dont matter does it just think he your horse and im not goin to let it live a horrble life

Answer 7

You're wrong in thinking that he wouldn't be wanted as a companion. If I was looking for a companion I'd want one that had the same living requirements as my horses - out in summer, in in winter.

We had an 18hh TBx who went as a companion after he developed navicular syndrome. He was retired on bute to a lady as a friend for her horse.

As far as what life he has, only your vet can tell you that as it depends on the severity, and how successful the operation was.

Answer 8

Your horse has obsessive compulsive disorder?

Answer 9

Why wouldn't anyone want him as a companion? The height of the horse has no relevance for that. Someone with a thoroughbred might want him around to keep the other horse company.

Also he is pretty young. Have you talked to the vet about his future? The youth of the horse could be favorable for some level of riding.

David

http://gentlenaturalhorseman.blogspot.co...

Answer 10

Hi, a few years ago I had a 2 yr old with OCD that had the surgery.  He was fine after given the necessary recouperation period.  He was able to be ridden and shown without any problems.  Just give your guy some time and if possible the best option after recouping from the surgery is being turned out for several months while he grows and matures.  He can definitely lead a useful life and give you many years of joy.  Good luck.

Answer 11

It all depends on how severe it was, but I bet he just won't have to be a pasture ornament.  I have a mare that had this (although only in one stifle).  She had surgery when she was about a year and is perfectly fine now, never had another issue with it.  I do all sorts of stuff with her, she gets ridden pretty heavily (ie. not just light riding).  I bet your horse has good chances of making a very good recovery and being able to be used in the future.

Answer 12

I don't know much about his condition or when/if he will recover back to normal but I do have a little story that kinda relates.

My grandpa has a horse (Blue) that is 33... about every 6 months the grandkids get to ride him bareback in the round pen for about 5 minutes... and that is it. The odd thing about my grandpa and his horse are...

He worked on the LX ranch years ago and he saw this grey stud colt caught it broke it and then he was his everyday horse. About 7 years later my grandpa found a girl that "wanted to move into the city" So my grandpa sold all of his horses and left the ranch... months later the woman left and took everything... life goes on, and about 10 years ago my grandpa went to a horse sale and right as he walked in he saw the hind end of a horse walking out of the auction with the same brands... just got sold to some man that didn't want to part with this 16 hand grey horse... finally my grandpa paid a fortune and he went home with Blue. We were all so amazed that this was the same horse he broke years ago... what are the odds! Then Blue started getting bad and my grandpa didn't wan't to see him die so he sold him to an elderly lady that just wanted a companion... 4 years ago my grandpa found him in another auction... this time thin, and he looked like he was dancing with death. AGAIN my grandpa bought him and vowed that Blue would live out the rest of his days with him. This time we were really amazed, it is obvious that someone wants this horse to be with my grandpa...

I guess my point would be... If you have the finances to care for this horse why don't you just keep him? Why risk him getting sold the minute you leave the new owners place, and him living a horrible or short life. I know this doesn't directly help you with whether not he will recover and all that but maybe it is just something to think about.

I hope your horse recovers well...

*EDIT* I tried to put up a picture of him but it keeps saying that there is an error.

Answer 13

Aww bless him. He could be wanted as a companion, don't rule out that option. Can you not keep him yourself?

If not, a local horse rescue centre might be able to take him on

Good luck :) x