Anyone had any success with injections into joint for low ringbone?

[nero]

Following on from previous thread about my horse just diagnosed with medium to severe low articular ringbone NF, has anyone had success with cortisone injections in this case. I understand it is an extreme long shot that it will work given its position and severity but would be keen to hear if anyone out there has a better news story for me.

Lameness came on suddenly three weeks ago but x rays show its been present for some time.

Had first injection two days ago, have to say not hopeful.

And what are the chances that the steriods will bring on laminitis? I've been told by vet this is a possible side effect, my horsie very big boy so this would be unbearable and would sadly and terribly mean lights out for him.

[Linda]

I have an older horse who developed ringbone about 3 yrs ago. He went from being in regular work,to just walking down the trails and then even that became too painful. For a long time we did naproxen an hour before the trail ride but it wasnt great. Pads in his shoes helped a little but it was clear that he was on his way to becoming a pasture ornament.

My vet suggested we try IRAP. The vet takes a huge blood sample from the horse, takes it back to the lab and in a centrifuge, separates the red and white blood cells. Then they treat it (Im not a vet nor a technical person! so google the irap term_) and then they reinject the blood back into that joint area. Because it is the horses own blood, the chance of rejection is slim. And because the blood has been treated to attack the bad rinbone, in our case it made a HUGE improvement.

The vet injected him three times in the joint - each injection two weeks apart. The first injection didnt show any improvement. After the second, he started to be more comfortable. After the third, he was trotting sound in his paddock. Its been several years and he is getting sore again. But this was clearly the miracle solution for us.

[DarcyW]

Yes! I rescued a 17'2 Westphalian gelding who had clinical significant low ringbone. Injections brought him sound. However, I also have him on a devils claw and high potency joint supplement with aluminum shoes. I think its manageable - you just have to stay on top of it.

BTW - my farrier recommended a wedge pad...it was a BAD suggestion.....

Darcy

[luckeys71]

I had my older mare with low ringbone injected once and it did seem to help. I, also, did Adequan and corrective shoeing. She had some other issues, including a bone spur on the front of that same fetlock, so she was not 100% sound, but comfortable for light riding. My vet said that if she was just off and on lame, he didn't recommend another injection, so she never got done, again. She is now retired due to the ringbone and other issues.

[nero]

Thanks for the responses. Darcy, have sent a PM.