Spin-off ~ DJD ~ experience with fusion??

[mrsbradbury]

After reading the thread about the 4.yo; it figured to must be in the air.

We just had a three tear old ddx with DJD, hocks are a train wreck, spurrring and loss of space. Horse is a 3 out of 5 lameness behind.:no:

Has anyone undergone chemical or surgical fusion? Can you tell me about it.

[starrysky]

Bump

[MidlifeCrisis]

I posted about my experience on this thread (http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=223237). So far, so good. I'll probably go back for a series of xrays in the spring.

[Fharoah]

I just had pastern arthrodesis surgery on my horse. The prognoses is 65%-85% secess depending on the condition of the joint. Secess is defined as full funtion for him would be to return to the hunter ring, I will be thrilled if I can get him sound!

Joint fusion is considered when medical management no longer produces soundness. Basic arthritis treatments include:
orals e.e. cosequin ASU
good balanced shoeing
equioxx
adequan (try twice weekly for a month)
IV legend (loading dose is weekly for a month)
Steroid HA AI combo
IRAP
sometimes shockwave
tildren
bute

If your arthritis treatments no longer produce soundness chemical or surgical fusion are a good choice. My lameness specialist/surgeon never gave chemical fusion as an option. I personally prefer surgical fusion. My cusins horse has DJD in his hocks and is in allot of pain. He gets hock injections every four months. She is considering hock fusion, surgeon says he can still jump 3.6 foot.

I think if I had a horse withi hock arthritis that was in pain desite management I would consider surgical fusion. Here is an interesting article and infortative article http://www.thehorse.com/viewarticle.aspx?ID=4639