OCD lesion in fetlock joint area

[skipper6265]

My horse was just diagnosed with an OCD lesion in his fetlock joint on his front leg.    I was given 2 options and I am wondering if anyone can give me their opinion from their personal experience with this condition.     The first option is to inject the fetlock joint.    The second option is surgery.    Neither option offers any guarantees.    This is a pleasure horse that is 5 years old and up to this point has been ridden lightly about 4-5 days a week.

Thanks for your time.

[skipper6265]

Linda,

I just wanted to say thank you for all the information that you gave me.    I am having his fetlock joint injected tomorrow and from what I am told I will have to make changes to his diet and daily routine.    The vet is supposed to sit down with me and give me the new plan of action.    I live in Georgia and the horse hospital here has reviewed the x-rays and is in agreement with the plan to do the injection first and see what happens.    I know that the maintenance drug, Adaquin ( spelling? ), has been mentioned but I am not sure of the others.    Anyways, I really appreciate your input.

[lindasp62]

I personally have not had experience treating this,but with knowing people who have had to deal with this, I have heard their options.  One friend has a Freisian who currently has OCD.  The vet has put him on Cosequin, which is a neutraceutical to increase synovial fluid in the joint.  This helps to lubricate and reduce pain of the cartilage rubbing itself.  I would say that injecting the joint would  be a better option to start off with (still doing the cosequin as maintenance) than jumping to surgery.  I have had my horses hocks injected before and it really helps with movement and pain reduction due to wear and tear.  Whereas the Cosequin does this through the digestive system, the injection delivers the hyaluronic acid (which I assume is what will be used...or some variation of it...) directly into the joint.  I would always go the conservative route first, then you can consider surgery. I would discuss the options with your vet, in what order he/she thinks you should progress based on the severity of the OCD.   Are you near a reputable equine hospital?  You could also even go to them for  a second opinion.