Eventer with bone spurs?

Question

My 12 y/o eventer/ex race horse has been having lameness problems, first from a twisted ankle on the xcountry course and then after recovering completely, developed lameness on her other foreleg, which after a month and eventual x-rays showed bone spurs that caused inflammation in her coffin joint. Our vet also had us shoe her with trailers to support her ligaments and had the farrier help her with break-over. She was treated with a cortisone shot and has since been a ton better but she still has off days. These are usually accompanied by some slight swelling in her pastern and fetlock joint. She is on Smartflex maintenance and wears support boots when ridden. I was hoping to get some advice on support boots that do the best job and any advice on supplements and bringing my girl back to work that anyone would like to offer. Thanks so much!

Answer 1

Ouch.... I cant help with the question but good luck with her. It must be hard to see her having problems at such a young age.

- Katie

EDIT: I have a 12 year old eventing/ex-race horse as well and cannot help but freak out a little. Hopefully he will be one of the few to escape without lameness problems. Again good luck!

Answer 2

try tendon boots but now you know why shes an X-racehorse but eventing does seem a bit strenous for a TB. Most events are TBx Connermara to bulk up the bone a little

Answer 3

Wow she's nice looking...but I'm a sucker for those plain bays..I have no idea why, always have been...

Anyway, on to more important things...there isn't much you can do about those bone spurs.  They will probably always hurt her unless you have them surgically removed, but I don't know if that's worth it.  That's your call.  All you can to is make her comfortable by providing anti-inflammatories during flare ups, maybe even regular cortisone shots, although masking the problem will only hurt her more so I would just take it easy during her flare ups and accept that as part of owning this particular horse.  I think the joint supplements are a great idea, and I would use some support boots when riding, not just those splint boots or tendon boots as others mentioned.  They key with your horse is support, not just keeping herself protected from bumps.

I really don't think you can go wrong with Sports Medicine Boots.  If you put them on correctly they give a lot of support (most people put them on too loose).  I have a horse with an old bowed tendon, and I ride her with SMBs every time, and she has never had a problem with that tendon again (knock on wood).  I know not all of that has to do with the boots, but I definitely think they help.

Answer 4

Hmm.. My only advise is to wear some extra-padding boots - Woof Wear makes some great boots - I'll put a link in the sources below. Without knowing how much money you can afford to spend, another thing that helped my eventer with his splints, was shock-wave-therapy. Other than that.. maybe try wrapping her legs and poulticing it every night? =(  I hope this helps. Good luck =)