I have a very nicely bred yearling. His scoped perfectly but his xrays show that he has bone spurs in the knees. How serious a problem is this and how likely are they to affect his performance? Should I have them surgically removed now?
Alternatively, is there some medication I can start him on that would "dissolve" the spurs?
Bone Spurs
Moderators: Roguelet, hpkingjr, WaveMaster, madelyn
I wouldn't be to concerned and I definitely wouldn't operate. Often times spurs resolve themselves both in horses that have ran and young horses such as you describe. Many feed supplements available with OCD pellets being touted by some though I remain skeptical as to how beneficial they are. Adequan and hylauronic acid are used but I think I'd save my money at this stage.
The horse is young and may develop to where the next time you take x-rays(120-180 days or so) the spurs are much improved and eventually disolve completely. I'd just monitor him for the time being and be sure he is getting minerals for proper bone development in his diet. Talk to 2-3 vets for their thoughts or call a couple of top equine Universitys i.e. Ohio State / Colorado State for their current preferred method of treatment..... but I'd stay clear of operating for sure.
The horse is young and may develop to where the next time you take x-rays(120-180 days or so) the spurs are much improved and eventually disolve completely. I'd just monitor him for the time being and be sure he is getting minerals for proper bone development in his diet. Talk to 2-3 vets for their thoughts or call a couple of top equine Universitys i.e. Ohio State / Colorado State for their current preferred method of treatment..... but I'd stay clear of operating for sure.