Companion Publications

Severe Bursitis and Osteoarthritis, American Quarter Horse Gelding

Written by Case Studies | Sep 4, 2024 8:15:00 PM

Author(s): "Lisa Miller, DVM, CCRT"

 

Signalment:  26 year old American Quarter Horse Gelding, “Rio”

Patient Symptoms:  Severe bursitis and osteoarthritis of the elbow

Medical History:  2 IA injections of steroid + Hyaluronic Acid, systemic NSAID’s and chiropractic, joint support supplement in feed – No improvement noted (All treatments tried over a period of 8-12 weeks)

Laser Treatment:  7,500 Joules each applied to left elbow and left shoulder (15,000 Total Joules).  (Palpated secondary soreness and swelling d/t weight shifting from lameness), beginning three times weekly, then weaning frequency as patient improved.

Patient Updates:  After June 2013 Rio received maintenance laser treatments once weekly to his elbow 4-8 weeks for the following year and then only on an “as needed” basis.  He is not on any systemic medications, just a chondroprotectant supplement in his feed daily.

Video courtesy of C. Howse.