Updated Update on Shadow

[jojoebony]

Vet came out yesterday and Shadow was VERY lively. Definitely lame in both front feet but wouldn't let vet near back legs so couldn't do a flexion, didn't look lame on the lunge but that may have been the adrenalin.
The vet thinks the navicular is the problem but has advised one week of lunge work and then he'll reassess (hoping Sha will have chilled by then).
Very early thoughts are turning him away for 6 -12 months and see what happens.

Jo

[Debbie]

Sorry there's nothing definite with the vet yet. Even if Shadow needs to be turned away for a bit, I'm sure you could still do short training sessions on the ground with him just to keep his brain preoccupied. And sometimes, the longer turnout does help them come right.

[harveydales]

Was this a second opinion then? Shaddow is still a youngster so being turned away for a while might not be a bad idea - give his bones/joints time to settle. Gentle but constant movement often can help. I think you must be guided by the experts but I've got all fingers, toes and hoofs crossed for you and Shaddow.

[knight]

Turnout does often work magic, especially with bones & joints, hope it will be so for Shadow. Fingers, hooves & paws crossed here for Shadow's full recovery.

[PonyGirl]

Hoping for the best for Shadow

[jojoebony]

Well, there have been further developments.
Vet has reviewed xrays and feels that things are pretty grim. He has agreed to trying Sha on a course of Adequan but isn't too hopeful as there is also a problem with the coffin joints.
We now know why he was lame behind, 2 rotated vertebrae and an old pulled hamstring (both of which have now been succesfully treated) so buting him is now an option, so that we can work on strengthening him up.
It is going to be a case of doing everything we can in the next few months (whilst he's still covered by insurance) and then turning him away over the autumn/winter and seeing what happens next year!
So at least we know have a plan of attack and some definite answer as to what has been wrong.
Jo

[harveydales]

Jo, I'm so sorry to her the vet is feeling things are grim but it sounds as though you at least have a better understanding of the problem and have a plan of action in mind. I know it must be hard to virtually write of a whole year but time can do wonders for a youngster like Shaddow. I've got all fingers and hoofs crossed for him. Please keep us all updated on his progress. Sending lots of healing vibes xxxx

[mickey]

Jo, Im not going to suggest you do something opposite to what the vet has suggested but Ive found Mickey's arthritis is much better from decreasing his turnout- mud was causing havoc. Ive also started him on the maxavita stuff that Kristy recommended- not sure whether that has helped or its solely down to decreased time in the mud but we've all seen a noticable improvement (and I know saying this he'll be unable to stand tomorrow!)
He has high ringbone thats caused so much damage the joint has collapsed- Im hoping and praying it'll also fuse now he's in a lot more. He also has bone spavin.
Have some cuddles cos I know just how hard, frustrating and depressing these conditions are.

[jojoebony]

Yeah, the slipping and sliding has worried me. Recently he's been turned out in an 8 acre paddock alone. He isn't bothered about being alone and just goes out and grazes rather than doing his usual 10 laps in gallop with his partner in crime before he settles. The yard we are moving to has nice dry turnout paddock which are realtively small so I am hoping this might help also.
I have also ordered some maxavita, as the Synequin worked on the loading dose but hes now on maintenance and it doesnt seem to be working.
I'll try anything at the minute, so any suggestions more than welcome!

Jo

[nars]

I'm sorry the prognosis isn't better, Jo. As the others have said though, time can work wonders with youngsters. I presume that you have tried or ruled out magnetic therapy and treatment with mirotec rugs on his back?