Today's we get to meet Chester.
Chester, a 15 year old quarter horse arab cross is starting his second career as an endurance horse, after retiring from roping. He retired apparantly sound and has been in pasture for the last year.
His teenage owner has been conditioning him for their first LD ride, which occurred last weekend.
She was extremely disapointed when they weren't even allowed to start the race, as the ride vet declared Chester unsound, possibly in the right hind.
You remember from vet school that flexion tests can be variable and so decide to skip that part of the lameness exam. Your teenage client begs you to do this as cheaply as possible, as she is saving for a new saddle. Thus you skip blocking and go straight to the xray machine.
The following radiographs were taken - both in the right and left hind legs. You labeled one view of the left leg radiograph as a teaching tool for your teenage client who hopes to become a vet, just like you someday.
What is Chester's problem, and what is the impact, if any on his potential endurance career?
Left side
Right side
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Hock OA. Seems limited to low motion joints (PIT, DIT, TMT). Prognosis is good. Inject with methylprednisolone acetate as needed to reduce inflammation and discomfort. As he gets older, they might fuse, which would take away the discomfort altogether.
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