What does this say to you?

[amymoyer1]

I’ve been having soundness issues with my 18yo PerchX. He was having issues picking up the canter in both directions when I am riding him, we treated with Pentosan and Osphos and he is doing better. We also took x-rays of his hocks and he has minor arthritis, but the vet recommended the Osphos over direct joint injections. He’s been able to make the transition and hold a canter with me for about a month now.

Here’s the question: I had him hand grazing on Sunday and when he was standing with his head downhill and his rump uphill, he was acting like he was going to fall down. Specifically stepping forward with his left hind very quickly and not holding too much weight on his right hind. He did not object when I picked up his right hind in his stall and lifted it high to engage his stifles. So, where would you look for the cause? SI? Back? Somewhere else?

I’m going to see how he feels today and will follow up with the vet if he’s still having issues. Thank you for your input!

[JB]

If you’ve never had him tested for PSSM1, I would do that to at least rule it out.

[Arzny]

Why did your vet treat with Osphos rather than joint injections if films only showed mild arthritis?

[amymoyer1]

We felt that it was less invasive than joint injections. I wanted to decrease the possibility of infection and the Osphos does seem to help.

[JB]

OsPhos has bigger potential risks than the low risk of a joint infection from an IA injection. I wouldn’t have gone with an IA injection OR OsPhos for “mild arthritis”, so that’s odd that your vet chose the option with the better chance of bone issues

The Pentosan is likely doing more for the arthritis, than the OsPhos is.

[Arzny]

@amymoyer1

We felt that it was less invasive than joint injections. I wanted to decrease the possibility of infection and the Osphos does seem to help.

IMO Osphos for something like this seems to be taking the nuclear option immediately.

[atr]

The horse is 18. Not much of a risk for Osphos from a bone perspective, but it can be a bit risky to administer and can be hard on the kidneys.

I’d personally prefer IA injections.

[Pico_Banana]

I just had a similar discussion with my vet about Osphos. She prefers it over direct joint injections in some situations, particularly when it’s more “preventative.” She is just hyperaware of the risks associated with it and has a protocol to address them.

[JB]

I’m really curious why anyone would look to OsPhos as any sort of prevention?

[NaturallyHappy]

Me, too…

[endlessclimb]

Me too.

I also want to know what is up with so many vets blowing the risks of IA injections out of proportion.

That mindset is prevalent around here, too.

The risks of Osphos GREATLY outnumber the risk of IA injections, IMO.

[endlessclimb]

Maybe it’s because the answer to the question “Why did it get infected” is generally “I didn’t sterilize the area properly” (aka, it was my fault)?

Versus the answer to the question “Why did my horse’s kidneys fail from the Osphos” is “some horses react like that” (aka, it was not my fault). The long term effects of Osphos would not be readily apparent.

[NaturallyHappy]

Interesting point…and I’m guessing it takes less skill???

[Tha_Ridge]

Agreed. Osphos is so easy to shit on these days, but my vet—at a top sport horse practice—feels the same way as yours, and similarly, addresses all the risk through bloodwork, a proactive dose of banamine, etc.

[Arzny]

@Tha_Ridge

Agreed. Osphos is so easy to shit on these days, but my vet—at a top sport horse practice—feels the same way as yours, and similarly, addresses all the risk through bloodwork, a proactive dose of banamine, etc.

Wowza. I’d read the label and have a really frank discussion with my vet about the proactive banamine…

[fivestrideline]

I was going to say, I’m no vet but isn’t banamine ALSO hard on the kidneys/other systems taking a hit from the Osphos?

We’ve been doing IA injections for long enough to know a good bit about the risks. Joint infections happen because a vet didn’t sterilize properly (and/or missed). OSPHOS is a much higher risk and a bit more of a wild card due to being much newer.

I’d have done non-steroid IA for “mild” arthritis and prevention

[Tha_Ridge]

Sorry, just checked an invoice—you’re right. Small dose of xylazine.

[Pico_Banana]

Yes my vet said specifically that all NSAIDs have to be stopped X days in advance.

[Alex_and_Bodie_s_Mom]

Have you done titers for Lyme and EPM?

The ‘catching himself’ action is what my old boy did when he developed EPM last year.

PSSM is also not out of the question on a Percheron.