Many years ago I had an OTTB that was a big wuss. The slightest scratch need veterinary attention. He had absolutely no pain or should I say discomfort tolerance.
I injected his hocks not to keep him sound, but to keep him comfortable. He was never “lame” and at the most would be a 1/5 on flexion. But I could feel it when he needed it.
I think there is a definite difference between medicine/medical intervention to keep an athlete comfortable and needing to “bute” a horse to keep them from limping around.
JMO
