Horses » What is the outcome for ringbone?

wattamus

What is the outcome for ringbone?

My horse was diagnosed with high ringbone three months ago, since then she has had a steroid injection into the affected joint to help the bones fuse and has had three months box rest.
However her lameness has not improved over these past three months. I am obviously quite concerned as any horse owner will know she is my absolute world and i don't want her to suffer endlessly.
I am having the vet out at the end of the month to re- asses, but i just want to know what the future could hold for her, the vet said she could be a light hack, but as she hasn't improved i cannot see that happening in the near future.
So yes, what i'm trying to ask is what normally happens to horses with ringbone, do they just deteriorate or can they become more comfortable?
Here is the link so you can see the x rays of her leg

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150216240146897.335240.523291896&l=487ba702f1&type=1

16/8/11

Answer this question
stuart stuart

Wow there is indeed a lot of bony change evident on these x rays. |The new bone formation does appear to be some what localised and may therefore be associated with local trauma. Further x rays at varying angles would help to assess this further. It does however appear that the joint itself is involved and there also appears to be considerable ossification of the lateral cartilage (sidebone). I doubt that surgery is a practical proposition and therefore non steroidal anti-inflammatory medication is indicated, Assessment of the response will guide you on the longer term prognosis.

19/8/11

You must be a registered member to answer questions, you can Register here