Piper is now 2 years old and continues to thrive with her prosthetic leg! Her mobility has been impressive, but recently, we noticed she was moving unusually on her opposite back leg. To ensure everything was okay, we called Dr. Metcalf for an evaluation.
A Thorough Check-Up
Dr. Metcalf observed Piper’s walk and then performed x-rays on her stifle and hock joint. We’re pleased to report that the x-rays showed no significant issues, and her joints looked healthy.
Starting Adequan Treatment
To support her bone and cartilage and help maintain her joints under stress, we’ve decided to start Piper on Adequan. This injection, given into the muscle (either in her neck or hind), will help her manage joint health.
Dr. Metcalf administered the first injection and provided us with vials for ongoing treatment. Piper will begin with a loading dose of one vial every two weeks for a total of three doses. After this, she will receive an injection once a month until she is 4 or 5 years old. Dr. Metcalf will recheck her condition in 2-3 months to monitor her response to the treatment.
Farrier Care for Optimal Health
Our farrier, Glenn, is also an essential part of Piper’s care. He will trim her back right hoof to help with her overall mobility. Glenn and Dr. Metcalf collaborate closely on situations like this to ensure the best care for Piper.
For Piper’s back right hoof, Glenn will leave as much sole, bar, and frog on the outside as possible, while trimming more from the inside and medial side. This approach helps to balance her gait and support her prosthetic leg.
Adjusted Trim Schedule
Piper follows a 6-week trim schedule like our other horses, but Glenn will adjust her schedule for the back hoof to every 3 weeks. This adjustment will help him stay ahead of her growth and maintain optimal hoof health!
