After XC at Buster Creek she was really insistent that I not lift her hind legs too high while removing her corks. I started noticing that after work she's not quite right about her back end. She's also been struggling extra hard with roundness and relaxation and occasionally take some NQR steps in the back (no one else notices, but I sure do).
I booked her another appointment at the vet to coincide with Chase's next set of alcohol injections (which, once he's done the full set will get a post of their own because holy-moly, what an improvement).
Her hocks are solid so the vet moved up. And now her SI joint is presenting as sore, as is her lower back.
After an extensive discussion we ultimately decided to shockwave her back and SI area. The other option was SI injections but we decided to go the less invasive route.
Dee was a rockstar for the shockwave and then the vet and her tech geeked out and put K-Tape on her, with instructions to leave it on as long as it stuck (or take it off on Sunday before my show, which ever came first).
This was 2 weeks ago and they told me I would see an improvement with 72 hours.
Unfortunately, Dee is still sore in her back and there's been no change really. After a bunch of research and conversations I've decided that SI injections are my line in the sand. I'm not going to take that step at this time.
Instead, I have decided to try giving her some time off jumping to see if there is any improvement.
So our eventing season is over (I've got one more recap though) and I'm ok with it. I'm hoping to bring her back into full work to go to the Gorsline jumper show where we won so much money last year, but time will see.
I adore this horse. She's done so much for me in the two years I've had her and she owes me nothing.
If her body can't handle the stress of jumping and eventing at this level then we will move onto Plan B but for now I'm crossing my fingers.
Keeping my fingers crossed with you!
ReplyDeleteOh no! Hopefully a little R&R will have her feelings better. Fingers and toes crossed for you guys!
ReplyDeleteaw i'm sorry to read this, but admire your choices to keep her happy and comfortable first and foremost. fingers crossed the time off does the trick!
ReplyDeleteWe have so many options available in terms of treatment now. It's so important to do what you did and decide what you are and are not ok with in terms of medically supporting a horse to pursue sport goals and quality of life. That's a very personal decision for everyone. :-)
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that. Hope Best Pony feels better soon. It sounds like you are making good decisions for your girl. Any chance that something less drastic would be the key (supplements, saddle fit, etc.)?
ReplyDeleteVet is pretty sure that my saddles aren't the issue because of where she is sore (and how it's presenting). She's already on Adequan, Legend and feed supplements so we've already got those bases covered.
DeleteFingers crossed for you guys as well. Hopefully she starts feeling better quickly with her vacation I know vacations normally help me :-)
ReplyDeleteHope the vacay helps... so sorry it's the end of the season for you guys :(
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. I can sympathize since Nilla has terrible hocks and I try to really limit her jumping though I haven't cut it out entirely yet.
ReplyDeleteAwh man :( Hoping she enjoys a little rest
ReplyDeleteAw :( sending good vibes, hope the time off helps.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read this, I hope the R&R helps her feeling like normal in no time!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to read this. She's a lovely horse and it's obvious how much you care. A lot can be accomplished with R&R!
ReplyDeleteMan oh man, NQR can be so tough. I admire you for knowing what you are and are not willing to do, and for putting the welfare of your horse first. I hope that some R&R takes care of things and you are back to having excellent adventures in the future.
ReplyDeleteLate comment here - you just might want to do a blood test for EPM - if you do, be sure your vet uses the one from Pathogenes as it's the best diagnostic. Many of the symptoms you describe could be attributable to EPM - I've had a lot of experience with that . . .
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