fetlock arthrodesis

[kc]

Hello,

I have a mare with very bad arthritis in her fetlock. We can't keep her comfortable any longer, and the vets have recommended a surgery to fuse her fetlock joint. The odds are 50/50 of it being succesful, it would be done at Hagyards in Lexington.

I was hoping someone here may have experience with this and would share the outcome with me?

Thanks.

[foothillsequine]

Did you get any information? An arthrodesis is a fusion of the joint, so I would think it would really impede her mobility. In people, when this procedure is done, they are casted and cannot weight bear for a very long time (usually in the area of 3 months). I think that before I considered this type of drastic measure, I would evaluate a number of things..age, what she is used for etc. It does not sound good to have arthritis of this degree requiring that kind of intervention.

On a personal note, I had an arthrodesis on my foot, and the arthritis that has set in (due to the surgery) is worse than the initial problem requiring it to be done in the first place. I would not recommend it, but I am not a vet, and I do not have the emotional attachment to the horse. Ultimately, it is your decision and your money. Good luck with whatever you decide.