From: mdresser@pbs.org (Melanie Dresser)
Newsgroups: rec.equestrian
Subject: arthritic hock  (long)
Date: 5 Apr 92 22:37:16 EDT
Organization: PBS:Public Broadcasting Service, Alexandria, VA


Everyone here has always been so helpful, that once again I am turning to the
net for information and support.

I just had some rather distressing news from my vet.  Quest has arthritis in his
right hock (we only x-rayed the right, though I guess maybe it is in both).
It all started when he came out of his stall dead lame a few weeks ago, but
seemed to get better very quickly--diagnosis was an abscess in his right hind
hoof, so we did the hot soaks and rest.  Then when the vet came to recheck him
this past Friday, he was still a little lame--this wasn't what we were
expecting.  She did a flexion test, which he failed, indicating a hock problem.
Then she did a nerve block above the foot, and he was still lame and still
failed the flexion test.  This ruled out a hoof problem (meaning the abscess was
probably better), but reaffirmed a hock problem, so we did x-rays.  The vet is
assuming that the abscess aggravated the pre-existing arthritis problem.  She
said it is not "horrific" but there is a definite lesion.

Quest is on a course of bute and light riding for the next two weeks, at which
time the vet will return to check him.  By that time I want to know as much
about this as possible, so I can ask intelligent questions and know what to
expect for Quest's future.  We have been doing so well in dressage, but now I
wonder if this will no longer be a possibility for him.  Quest is only 8 yrs,
and this seems like such an early age for it.

I bought Quest as a 3 year old, and both of us were very green--bad combination,
I know, but it worked out well for us.  Everything took us longer, but when we
accomplished each goal, it felt great.  After 5 years together, Quest and I have
become a real team and I just can't imagine losing that.  I don't want to think
he is/will be in constant pain--though he has never indicated that he has been.

As I look back, especially to last year, this may explain why he had stiffness
and difficulties if his hind toes became too long.  As I look back over my
riding log from last year, in July I wrote he was a little stiff moving
clockwise at the trot. Then, I wrote in September that he was off in the right
hind (I remember he was almost dragging that hind toe), and the blacksmith was
due, and said he had grown lots of toe that month and the growth had changed his
angle.  After that shoeing he was stiff for a day, then back to normal.

I've been doing some reading, and already have some questions for the vet:
*Can she tell how long the arthritis has been there?
*My books mention "bone spavin" alot, is that a generic term for arthrosis of
the hock or does it refer to a specific type?
*What is all this I read about the bones of the hock fusing, then soundness
returning? Does it apply to Quest?
*What can I expect for the near future, and long term?
*What kind of things can I do to improve the condition--if any?  Yucca?  MSM?

any comments?

Has anyone else had experience with this?  Any info would be greatly
appreciated.

Thanks,

Melanie
   and Quest

PS:  I finally got to ask the vet about those odd mumps-like swellings around
the jowl I posted about, and yes it is allergy.  Thanks for the responses I got,
they really helped relieve the worry over them.

-- 
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          Melanie L. Dresser	  mdresser@pbs.org    
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"In this world, you must be oh so smart, or oh so pleasant.
Well, for years I was smart; I recommend pleasant.  You may
quote me."  Elwood P. Dowd
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