I have a 12 year old paint gelding who was diagnosed with what was then called navicular syndrome/now caudal heel pain approximately 4 years ago, after an initial diagnosis of suspensory ligament injury and numerous rounds of shock treatments. Three months later he was worse, a "3" grade lame at the trot and was laying down or constantly pointing his left fore when standing. With vet #2 we pulled his shoes, created a deep sand bedding, soaked his hooves for 30 mins a day and did a 3 month regimen of Isoxsuprine. After this treatment he was sound for about 4 months and then went lame again. The third time around with vet #3 we used shoeing based on xrays and did an additional 6 months of a low daily bute dosage (2 tabs per day one am & one pm) and Isoxsuprine on a gradually declining dosage (starting at 20 pills 2x and ending a 7 pills 2x). This time he has remained sound for the past six months for most part, but on an intermittent basis his gates become choppy be becomes unwilling under saddle and he appears to be uncomfortable after riding, shifting his weight from foot to foot for about an hour post ride. Will another round of Isoxsuprine help? Should he just remain on lower daily dose of Isoxsuprine or will he get more comfort from a daily pain reliever like previcoxx?
Optional Information: Type of Animal: Horse Pet's Gender: Gelding Pet's Age: 12 Name of Horse: Tetanka Already Tried: Please see question for complete details.
Yes, we had discussed that as a possible "next level" after the last round of treatments. I just feel that his current level of soundness and pain-free days don't warrant the expense of the injections. I know horse ownership is an expensive undertaking, but I'm also trying to manage his illness and the associated costs.
So far I've spent well over $7,000 over the past 4 years, knowing that the injections may be inevitable I'd like to do it at the right time for his continued career as a trail/pleaure horse.
I was reading a recent article on The Horse that suggested that injections to treat navicular can only be of optimum effectiveness if they are guided by an MRI and placed within a few centimeters of the correct site?
So, according to your treatment protocol, since he is only experiencing sporadic days of discomfort he could still be at a stage where a daily low dose of an anti-inflammatory will temporarily return him to soundness?
Yes, OK, that's a very good point as well. He tolerated bute very well, but I've heard good things about previcoxx (sp?). He did colic about 9 months ago but that was when he was not on the 3
bute and had just had a bad fight with another gelding.
Horses! lol
No sorry, that was my 3 year old son helping with the typing. :) He was receiving 2 bute tabs per day, 1 with his am feed and 1 with the evening feed (he's fed 3x per day)
He's 16.3 and tapes at 1400 lbs
Well, I think you've given me some good information. I have a soundness exam booked with my vet for next week and I think given his fairly recent colic, trying a round of the injections may be the safest route.
I just hope the soundness exam coincides with one of his off days, because the last time I was out he was near perfect.
Hmmm... I've him on daily pro and prebiotics since the colic and he hasn't shown any signs of a re-occurrence. But he is more Thoroughbred than Paint in temperament as well as size/conformation.
What are the name brands these injections are marketed under? Is one of them Legend?
Sounds painful. What about additional measures for corrective shoeing, such as eggbar shoes?
That's pretty much what we're doing and he seems to do as well as can be expected. My only complaint is that he dings the front of his pastern when he gets up and has a constant sore there as a result.
Ah! That could be the case, the sores started after he was reshod after having his shoes pulled for about a year (when he wore the removable boots when needed).
Yup, he's one of those horses. lol Thank you for your help!
Experience: Equine Veterinarian