Case History:

Hank is a 7-year-old thoroughbred gelding used for eventing. Hank was examined on June 4, 2024 after presenting for tripping on the hind end when not collected and swapping leads behind at the canter.
He flexed positively to spavin flexion of both hindlimbs, worse on the right hindlimb.

On June 4 Hank was injected with 1 mL Betavet in each Tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint, and 0.5 mL Betavet
in each Distal Intertarsal (DIT) joint. He improved, with decreased tripping and maintaining his leads and
finding it easier to maintain a correct frame.

In November/December 2024 he was becoming heavy on the forehand and after foxhunting a few times began bucking into canter transitions, and tripping frequently again.

Diagnosis:

Radiographs taken on May 8, 2024 showed mild to moderate arthritic changes in the left TMT/DIT joint and moderate to severe changes in the right TMT/DIT joint.

7 Year old Thoroughbred Gelding

Treatment:

On January 28, 2025, Hank’s hocks were treated with Arthramid® and Betavet. Fluid was obtained from both DIT joints and 0.5mL of Arthramid® + 0.5 mL Betavet were injected into both the left and right DIT, and 0.5 mL Arthramid® + 1 mL Betavet into both TMT joints. He was rested for 2 days, walked 2 days, 2 days light hack, and returned to jumping after one week.

Outcome:

Hank has improved significantly under saddle. He is using his hind end more and is sound.

Case courtesy of:

Dr. Libby Goldstein
Old Dominion Equine Associates,
Keswick, VA