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Cortisone & HA injections

11 replies

AlpinePony · 13/06/2012 08:42

Does anyone have an experience with these?

Yesterday my 12 year old warmblood was diagnosed after x-rays, with arthritis in her off-fore fetlock. This is sod's law as I finally have the opportunity to ride frequently and keep her fit.

So I had her joint injected with these and she's on a course of low-level bute for the next 10 days. 7 days of turn-out and then 7 days of light work (walk & trot).

I've read some wonderful stories on the H&H forum about horses which were good enough to work afterwards and I'm hoping someone here can confirm that the recovery was good and they were able to continue to work.

She's barefoot which I understand is the best possible option for a problem in the fetlock.

Our goal was ODE - but I'm hoping there might be a happy medium between that and "happy hacking".

I had my dog treated this way 7 years ago and the turnaround was quite extraordinary so I'm really hoping it works for neddy too.

I see another thread on the front page about alternative treatments and I will no doubt be purchasing tumeric, cider vinegar, glucosamine and fairy dust.

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Treblesallround · 13/06/2012 09:17

No experience of this, but DH's mare has sidebone and can be a bit stiff and rosehips really work for her

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dappleton · 13/06/2012 15:41

Hi, They are used loads in the racing industry (where I am anyway, not sure about the UK), every fetlock and knee niggle seems to have Cortisone injected into it, the horses keep on racing - at what cost i'm not sure!
My TB developed arthritis in his knee after a bone chip (caused by racing) wasn't removed. I wasn't aware of this past injury and galloped him on hard ground, I think it shifted the chip and caused the arthritis to flair up, he was injected with Cortisone and given 3months off work/in very light work - the Vet warned me that i'd probably have to have him PTS and was wasting my money with Cortisone at this stage but 2yrs later he's still sound enough for light work (even though he can't jump obviously). It's wonderful stuff IMO.
Best Wishes - hope it works for your Mare!

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Callisto · 13/06/2012 16:16

Don't forget the cod liver oil! No experience of cortisone for horses, but want to wish you luck.

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AlpinePony · 13/06/2012 16:58

Thanks everyone - where are you dappleton? My mare is in Germany but I had a dutch vet visit.

Where is best to buy supplements? Any recommendations to online shops? Horse shops? People shops?

I feel so impatient though, I just want to know whether she's going to come good or not.

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dappleton · 14/06/2012 12:11

I'm in Mauritius.

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SoSad007 · 18/06/2012 08:25

Hi Alpine, I had a 23 yr old TB eventer who had cortisone injections into his coffin joint due to arthritis. He would be injected by the vets, and then have 2 weeks off for the cortisone to take affect. After which I would have to bring a nutty TB back into work. Grin

The cortisone worked really well on him - he went from very noticeably lame to perfectly sound on the cortisone. The cortison generally lasted about 6-7 months on him, so he would done twice a year.

As he was already older, I decided not to tax his body anymore, and mostly only did flatwork on him. The original aim was for him to get me back to 1* eventing, but that didn't eventuate. Instead we spent the next 18 months being dressage queens as he was quite well educated. He taught me everything I know about lateral work. I eventually gave him back to his owner (he was on long term loan) for financial reasons.

As far as jumping goes, best to talk to your vet about that as each case is a bit different. I elected not to jump him much anymore, but we would have a very occassional canter over low jumps (less than 80cm) for 30 min or so as he loved it so much.

Hope this helps.

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AlpinePony · 18/06/2012 08:49

Thank you! That's very reassuring to hear! :)

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AlpinePony · 20/06/2012 14:46

Quick update as I'm at the yard. I've just ridden her for the first time and it's a miracle. She's light, responsive, even tempoed and feels completely different with her hicks right under her and working through her back.

I would pay this every month, the difference is incredible! :)

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SoSad007 · 20/06/2012 15:01

Aww Alpine, that's great to hear Smile. When cortisone works, it works very, very well. Good to see that she is happy and your first ride went well.

Keep an eye out for signs that the cortisone is wearing off - it may or may not be lameness. As an example, in my gelding's case, he was actually quite a tough little horse, so the first signs of the cortisone going weren't lameness, but him playing up. He would shy, take off and misbehave (more than usual Grin) under saddle.

Good luck with the cortisone, it a great solution to prolonging the working life of your mare.

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AlpinePony · 20/06/2012 16:22

That makes complete sense. I barely had to use any aids today whereas the last few times I've ridden there's been a fight to get a 20m circle type thing.

She also felt completely different iykwim, much more compact under saddle with supple shoulders and just so damned malleable and agreeable to work, although today was only 15 mins light schooling then a quick hack.

I will definitely be on the look out for "tantrums" as an indicator for round 2!

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dappleton · 21/06/2012 09:22

That's great news Alpine, glad it's made so much difference.

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