Examination: 
- Note that a baseline examination three months earlier was negative for any lameness.
- All palpations and motion ranges were unremarkable.
- Lowgrade right hind limb lameness is observed in a trotted straight line and clockwise circle.
- The lameness did not change after blocking below the hock and markedly improved after blocking the nerves above the hock.
- After the RH lameness was blocked out, there was a lowgrade LH limb lameness.
Radiographs:
- Arthritic changes of both hocks, both lower joints (Rt. > Lt).
- Central Tarsal bone changes.
Treatment:
- The hock arthritis was addressed with corticosteroids injected into the two lower hock joints (radiographic needle position confirmation of the middle joint).
- A systemic dose of Tildren was administered to address the bone changes.
Results: There was no lameness improvement 6 weeks after the treatment, but if a low dose of Banamine was given prior to competition, no issues were noted and the performance was competitive.
Continued Diagnostics: MRI 
Diagnosis: Severe Bone Bruise (Edema) in addition to the Arthritis.
Treatment Options:
- Continue to compete and administer Banamine.
- 3-6 month period of non-athletic exercise should allow for a complete recovery.
Comments