Page 371 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

TREATMENT

Once degenerative changes are present, the aim of treatment is to slow down progression of
VetBooks.ir the disease and provide pain relief so that the horse can stay in work. The options include the

following.

Corrective trimming and shoeing

This is an important part of any treatment programme for horses with hock pain. The
mediolateral balance of the feet should be checked and the toe shortened to facilitate
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breakover. Rolling the toe or using Natural Balance shoes which are set back from the toe
may improve the horse’s comfort and action. Lateral extensions make some horses more
comfortable by taking the strain off the hock and reducing any twisting of the foot.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), e.g. phenylbutazone

The minimum dose is used as necessary to keep the horse in work. Problems from long-term
administration are rarely encountered.

Modification of the exercise program

Horses with bone spavin benefit from regular light exercise, avoiding twists and turns at
speed.

Intra-articular medication

Intra-articular medication with corticosteroids is often very effective at reducing distal hock
joint pain by reducing inflammation of the synovial membrane. These preparations may be

used in combination with hyaluronan. The horse is walked in hand or only lightly exercised
for a few days following treatment.

Systemic hyaluronan, PSGAG or pentosan polysulfate

A course of intravenous hyaluronan or intramuscular PSGAG or pentosan polysulfate may be
beneficial.

Tiludronic acid

Tiludronic acid is a bisphosphonate (see page 228) that is regularly used to treat bone spavin.
It inhibits bone resorption and can reduce the associated pain, successfully alleviating the