Happy Valentine's Day

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It's the Impar Ligament this time

Lack of blogging due to lack of time, and a frustrating horse situation. But here's an update on my mare Mazzy. After my first (and only) show over fences I was gearing up for another one a couple of weeks later, over Labor Day weekend (I know it was a very long time ago), and Mazzy came up lame. After a vet check, she blocked out to the heel and x-rays showed nothing, so the vet thought it was probably soft tissue damage in the foot and needed an MRI to determine exactly what was going on. An MRI showed a strain to the impar ligament (connecting the navicular bone to the back of the coffin bone). Not a horrible diagnosis, since it could have been loads of other worse things.

Yellow = deep digital flexor tendon

Blue = navicular bone

Orange = impar ligament

Red = intersection of ligament and tendon

So the plan was a Tildren regional perfusion and then IRAP injections. Tildren works by preventing bone resorption by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, and it also has anti-inflammatory actions. While it will not have any effect on the impar ligament or other soft tissue in the foot per se, the impar ligament attaches to both the distal end of the navicular bone and the bottom surface of the coffin bone, and these attachment sites often undergo degeneration when the ligament itself is damaged. An intravenous catheter is used to administer a large amount of the drug as an intravenous drip for about an hour.

IRAP was used to inject into the coffin joint to promote healing. She had a total of four injections at 2 week intervals. IRAP is a system that has been developed to stimulate white blood cells to produce anti-inflammatory mediators and enzymes to reduce the inflammatory phase. Blood is taken from the jugular vein and incubated for 24 hours in special syringes which induce the blood cells to produce and secrete therapeutic proteins during the incubation period. After 24 hours the blood is centrifuged and all blood cells are removed. This leaves a protein rich serum which is then split into 3ml doses ready for injection. The main anti-inflammatory protein produced is Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein (IRAP). This has a direct action on the action of Interleukin-1 which other therapies are unable to do. There are a number of other anti-inflammatory proteins produced during the incubation process which work synergistically with the Interleukin-1 antagonist to reduce the inflammation within the joint and stimulate a regenerative response by the cartilage cells. IRAP is different to other treatments available as it has an anti-inflammatory component which other products have but it also induces a regenerative response unseen in other therapies.

During this time I was hand walking her and switched her to bar shoes with Equithane for heel support. After 3 months or so of this and many vet visits, she was sound. I started saddle walking her working up to 45 min/day. After 30 days of saddle walking, I started trotting beginning with 5 min/day after 30 minutes of walking. On day 5 of trotting Dec 23rd....LAME again. I am so frustrated! I had the whole week off of work from Christmas to New Year's, looking forward to riding in the daylight everyday, and back to square one. So at this point I am still saddle walking.

I invested in The Bio-Pulse Iron Foot PEMF Pad. There have been many studies on PEMF shown to provide pain relief, reduce swelling, control inflammation and speed healing time. The PEMF, i.e. (Magna Pulse, Magna Wave, P3 etc.) is a revolutionary medical device that has shown amazing results in the treatment of pain and swelling, wounds, bone fractures, as well as in dramatically improving range of motion in both humans and animals. The PEMF uses powerful pulsed electro- magnetic field that provides natural energy to the cells of the body. PEMF therapy improves circulation, not by increasing heartbeat or blood pressure, but by opening and dilating the arteries and capillaries. This also reduces edema (swelling). PEMF therapy increases the cellular level of oxygen absorption. Studies have shown that oxygen partial pressure can be increased by 200%. This reduces pain associated with lack of sufficient oxygen. Also, insufficient oxygen in the cells causes lactic acid buildup under strenuous exercise. Good information here: http://www.pemf.co.nz/Questions-Answers-about-PEMF

She stands on it for 30 min/day. This thing better work!!!

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First show over fences

We are getting there. I'm not sure where "there" is, or even if I'll know when I'm there, but progress is happening. No blogging lately because I just haven't had the time! But here is an update on my mare Mazzy. She is progressing great! She now has a few shows under her belt. Last weekend was my first time showing her over fences. She was great. The first time I had actually jumped a legitimate course on her was the day before the show. That is enough practice, right?

Mazzy has alot of great qualities. She is very sweet, and has a good work ethic. She is a pretty quick learner and wants to do the right thing. She has a great mellow personality, and not much phases her. New jumps aren't a problem, and she isn't spooky. My wish for her becoming something great is starting to become a reality. I'm really happy how she is turning out so far. We have come a long way since the day she was born! Showing her over fences for the first time is a pretty big deal for me.

At the show Mazzy was really good, she did exactly what I told her, however, I told her to go a bit too fast. Her stride is quite a bit bigger than I am used to, so going at the correct pace for her large stride feels very slow to me. Nerves of showing her for the first time added to this. At home I can monitor her stride better, but I got a little frozen in the ring and made it down the lines way too easy. In my equitation class, there was a bending line (first one I had ever done on her) and I left a stride out. Oops. It was supposed to be 8 and it was right there in seven for me. I should have broken the line up more. It wasn't bad, just not the plan.

There was a little hunter derby at the end of the day, and she marched around all the natural obstacles like a pro. The course included a trot jump, getting mail from a mailbox, and we had to hand gallop the last jump. Fun, fun!

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Reserve Champion!

Mazzy competed over fences for the first time yesterday. She was such a good girl!!! When she arrived at the show she was calm as can be. I rode her around a little while my trainer was schooling some of the other horses. The warm up ring was crazy with people jumping all over the place, and horses coming at us from every direction. It didn't seem to phase her. She really has a great mind. My trainer then got on Mazzy to school her over a few jumps and at first she was preoccupied with all that was going on, but after a few jumps she settled in, and focused. She did an unjudged warm up round before her division, and jumped around great. Her next two rounds were also really good. I am so happy she jumped around, got all her lead changes, and performed very respectfully. For her first show I couldn't be happier, considering how green she is. I rode her in the hack and she was pretty tired by then and I broke, oops not enough leg when going past the gate. It was a big day for her. She ended up Reserve Champion! Yeah, Mazzy!

The video I shot with my little point and shoot camera came out terrible (see blurry screen shot above), so I ordered her rounds from the videographer. I also ordered a few shots from the photographer, after all it was her jumping debut!

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Mazzy goes to the Foxfield Horse Show

I took Mazzy on a field trip this weekend. We loaded up early on Saturday to meet some barn mates and my trainer at a horse show. I figured the the new environment would be a good experience for her. She was perfectly behaved with no preparation (no lunging, etc.). I just unloaded, tacked up and got on. She didn't seem phased at all by the new surroundings, which according to some people are very spooky. I actually do know of  some horses that do not tolerate that horse show. I rode her around the warm up arena and also got into one of the rings during a break. The timing couldn't have worked out any better. I was very proud of how good Mazzy was. Next horse show, she may actually compete! The facility hosts a few horse shows throughout the year and my favorite medal final which I have competed in a few times in the past. Hopefully I will return one day to compete in the medal finals with Mazzy. Although I had been to this facility several times before, I just learned that the original Robin Hood movie, starring Errol Flynn, was filmed on the property years ago, and a portion of the grounds is still referred to as “Sherwood Forest.”

The only mishap was when I was picking out her feet she stepped on my toe. I had to lance the nail when I got home to release the intense pressure the trapped blood was causing, and just in time for sandal weather I will be loosing my nail.

Since I did not take any photos, below is a clip from when I showed Kylie there.

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Mazzy Jumping

Here is some video from my lesson on Saturday. We have alot to work on, but I am really happy with Mazzy's progress. I am still trying to figure out her stride, and how to help her jump better out of a deeper distance. My trainer has been working on her adjustability and teaching her that sinking deeper into the tack and taking a feel of her mouth means shorten her stride and rock back.  We have also been working on her cantering away from the jumps, which she has been doing really good the past week or so. Previously, she would either land in the trot or almost come to a complete halt after a jump. She still does this if I pat her, or tell her she is a good girl. I try to practicle patting her on the neck while cantering, which sounds really easy, but it feels like patting my head and rubbing my belly because as soon as you pat her she wants to walk.    



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Results of Kylie's necropsy and Mazzy is jumping

Since I have Mazzy to take care of and ride, I am forced to go to the barn. I don't know if it would be quite that easy to go there if I did not have something to focus on other than Kylie's empty stall. I am greatful for everyone at the barn that has been respectful of me not wanting to talk about it, or even acknowlege it for that matter. When the subject has come up, I can't fight back the tears. Last weekend Kylie's first vet came to the barn to visit some friends. I was very sad when I had to switch vets, because we both loved her and she had know Kylie since the beginning when she did her pre-purchase exam, but she no longer practices due to raising her family. I have seen her regularly over the years since she has kept her horses at Kylie's barn. Anyway, she expressed her condolences and of course, I had a major breakdown. So many memories.

I did find out the results of Kylie's necropsy. There were a few things the vets thought they might find that was causing her to be so sick after the colic surgery and not recovery normally. What they did find was that at the point where the colon was resectioned, the opening had decreased from the initial six inches to two inches after surgery. So the food wasn't passing through very easily causing alot of pain. This may have been caused because she had a lot of reflux and could not eat for days and days after surgery. Since 95% of her large colon was removed, there was not enough left to repair it. It does give me a bit of comfort knowing there was nothing that a second surgery could have done for her.

Mazzy has been coming along really, really well. For the past few weeks, I have had great lessons on her! Last week I jumped my first line with her, including a 2'9" oxer, so exciting! My trainer has been doing such a great job with her. Mazzy was on a plateu of learning for quite a while, but it seems as though she is on the upswing of things. Her lead changes are coming so easily. Her jumping corrordination is improving. She is cantering away from the jumps instead of coming to almost a dead halt after landing. She is holding herself up alot better, instead of relying on the rider. I don't feel like I have to direct her every single step of the way (only every other, haha). And most importantly she seems to really be enjoying what she is doing. Just over the past few weeks I have felt a such a huge change in her.

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Mazzy update

Mazzy has been really enjoying herself. She gets a morning swim in the aquatread and then a nice walk on the eurociser. What a life!

I then ride her around the racetrack. So fun! She feels great after her little vacation.

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Mazzy

Mazzy is doing well. She is extremely content and quiet and really seems to be enjoying her down time. I still use a chain on her when we go out to graze, just in case she decides to leap into the air and start bucking (which she has been known to do), but lately she has been perfectly behaved with no outbursts. There are also alot of stallions on the property, which is something I am not used, so I need to make sure I have full control. So far, they all seem to be completely well behaved and unphased by Mazzy. We shall see how things change when she is in heat. There is one that ran in the Kentucky Derby, stabled right next to where I take her to graze and he doesn't seem to even notice her.

I popped in to visit her at an unusual time yesterday and still not one poop in her stall (so this confirms that they don't just clean it right before I come). Normally I would worry about colic when her stall is always so spotless, but they have guys that are constantly cleaning the stalls. So nice, and it really eliminates almost all of the flies.

DAPPLES!

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Visit with Mazzy

Through the guarded gate....

One of the many horse farms along the way:

The side of one of the barns:

It was such a beautiful evening last night and just the right temperature...peace and quiet:

I went to visit Mazzy last night and she seems very content. Walking into the barn it is bug free, dust free, cool and peaceful. There is just the sound of horses munching hay and fans blowing. What a wonderful place for a horse to recover. If I ever need a lay-up that is where I want to go! Mazzy's caretaker said she was very quiet and relaxed...that was until I got there and started feeding her carrots. Then she became naughty Mazzy knocking her foot against the door for more treats! It is so nice not to have to worry about that part of her recovery!

It is very hard to get a picture of Mazzy in her stall, she needs to be VERY close at all times.I gave her some food to distracted her:

Checking out the view:

She has a view of the bull pen:

The stalls are cleaned all day long - her stall is always spotless!

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Boarding realities and fantasies

It is very difficult to weigh out what the most important factors are when boarding your horse. There is no perfect situation unless you have unlimited funds, and still it may not be perfect. For me the number one reason I keep my horses at the facility I am at is the trainer. However, there are many things I would change if I could about the facility and how it is run.

In a perfect world (or if I wasn't financially constrained about where I keep my horses) my priorities are lots of turnout, good modern footing, and quality hay. These things all lead to a healthier athlete, and should be part of a competitive show program. Different horses can have very different characteristics and requirements. Consequently, a horse stable which is ideal for one horse may be a disaster for another.

When researching different boarding stables, don't forget to ask about their turnout routine. Having a good turnout regime can make a huge difference to your horse's mental and physical state. My friend at Springfield Stables wrote a fantastic post about turnout. I know many of my readers are of the same school of thought and are aware of the wonderful physical and mental benefits. Regular turnout (and I mean in a space where the horses can move, not a tiny pen for 20 min) eliminates the need for daily lunging, it also keeps horses in better physical shape by allowing them to move around. In order for all space to be fully utilized, the facility has to be well planned out. I get so frustrated seeing tons of wasted space and teeny tiny turnout pens. Fences should be sturdy, horse safe and in good repair.

Bedding: For your horse's health and safety, as well as his/her warmth and comfort, the stall bedding is also extremely important. Poor quality bedding can have a critical effect on your horse's health. It goes without saying that the horses' stalls need to properly cleaned and not just the poop picked out. Moisture promotes mold growth, and excess ammonia (a noxious gas from urine that irritates the airways). And when the stalls are cleaned the bedding must be properly disposed of, or kept far enough away from the horses, not sitting in a huge pile breeding flies. The barn should have good ventilation, smell relatively fresh, not like manure or ammonia.

I would love if my horses' stalls were lined with the ComfortStall® Equine Flooring System and then bedded with some nice dust free shavings. I like straw too, but at the rate Mazzy eats it, I'm not sure that is the best long term choice for her :-). However, it is the best choice for now to keep her stitches clean.

Safe stalls: Above all else, materials used in horse stalls must be substantial. No sharp edges, no screws sticking out, or small spaces for them to get a leg caught in - to me this seems like a no brainer, but unfortunately it is not. A horse is a big, powerful animal, and one kick could take out a wall…and a hoof or damage a knee as well, leading to months of healing and no riding. So, if a material looks thin, it probably is. The size of the stall itself is also important for horse health. A horse 16-hands tall will be at least six feet long, nose to tail, meaning even a 12-by-12 foot stall is only twice the horse’s body length. Since a horse cannot decide to go out for a stroll if he’s feeling cramped, it pays to avoid making him spend boring hours in a cramped space. Inside of that stall, they have nothing but time on their hands and that time can easily lead to mischief. A bored horse will look for trouble, chewing on stall walls, kicking and making a fuss. That’s tough on the walls, tough on the horse handlers, and extra tough on the horse. Giving the horse a view of the aisle or the great outdoors, with stall gates or even horse-friendly windows, is also helpful in keeping horses healthy and happy, and avoiding behavioral “issues” or vet bills for the horse. Of course in my dream world I would love a palatial 14 x 14 stall with an attached paddock, however, the majority of the time I would like them to be out in the pasture.

It is essential that someone knowledgeable will check on your horse frequently. If there were to be an accident in the stall or if your horse suddenly got colic, there needs to be someone on hand to notice promptly and to be competent enough to deal with the situation. At least when the horse's stall is cleaned and when they are fed they should be given the once over. This will eliminate the horse having to stand around until another boarder notices that his eyelid is half ripped off, or cheek sliced open. It is never fun to arrive in the evening to find an injury that no one noticed all day, thus requiring an emergency evening vet call.

Feed: Quality. What are the horses fed? Are the hay and food supplements of high quality, or just the cheapest available? No matter what age of the horse, or activity state, proper nutrition is important and can contribute to a sounder horse and a better athlete. My preference is timothy hay, however the barn I keep my horses (not where Mazzy is currently) does not offer that choice. Alfalfa comes with board, but I have to pay an additional $100/month for oat hay or orchard grass hay. Anything more than two flakes of alfalfa am/pm is extra $.

Quantity. Do the horses get all the food they need, or is there a quota (2 flakes 2 times/day) and the owner is responsible for the rest? A horse should receive at least 2 percent of his body weight per day in good quality digestible forage. So that means a 1200-pound horse would need 24 pounds of hay each day. If average flake of hay weighs around three pounds, that is 8 flakes a day (depending on the weight)! Frequency. How often are the horses fed? It should be at least twice a day and preferably more (access to quality pasture qualifies as a feed). Mazzy is a growing girl and therefore an eating machine! She would starve to death on the normal feed ration. I have to feed her an additional 150-200 lbs of timothy pellets/week, soaked beet pulp, rice bran, and Triple Crown Complete to keep weight on her. She is in heaven at the layup facility getting all the hay she can eat!

Buckets. Are the food and water buckets kept clean? Is old food removed each day and the buckets cleaned out well, or simply new food dropped on top? Water. Do the horse have adequate access to clean water? Thankfully we have automatic waterers. I also provide my horses with Himalayan salt licks.

The general facility upkeep is important. When things break are they fixed properly, or are they gerry-rigged together. Eventually a nice facility will become run-down if it is not properly maintained. Horses are tough tenants and there are contantly things that need fixing.

It is so nice to visit Mazzy and not need to reclean her stall, scrub her buckets, soak her down with fly spray, or find new injuries. She is clean, well cared for, and happily eating. All I have to do is enjoy her company. It is pretty darn close to a perfect situation, too bad it will eventually have to come to an end. If only I could win the lottery, my horses would be living a pampered lifestyle!

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On the road to recovery

Mazzy was lucky enough to receive treatment from Dr. McIlwraith this weekend. He flew in for the weekend, and I spoke with him early Saturday morning and he told me to bring her down and he could squeeze her into his schedule. Thank goodness I have a trailer! I was on the road as soon as I hung up the phone. He did some work on her, and he seems very hopeful for a good recovery. Wow, if this is not an example of why you should get a second or third opinion, it is an example of the amazing things the very best can accomplish. In the past few weeks I have gone from possible euthanasia to an optimistic future. I am fairly certain the doc does not know how great the words "I have good news" was to hear today. What an emotional roller coaster this has been.

There is still a long road to recovery, and of course, I understand nothing is certain, but I now have hope. I actually have another big thing to be thankful for, very good friends. My friend that made this whole thing happen with the world renowned joint doctor also hooked Mazzy up with an awesome rehab facility. Mazzy isn't going to want to leave this place, especially after a swim in the aqua tread! No fly mask or sheet needed here! So clean and peaceful. I just hope she stops eating the knee deep straw she is bedded in. Hopefully I can get some sleep tonight now that my baby is safe and well cared for.

Mazzy is actually staying at a farm I am proud to spotlight, even if it is only temporarily.

Aquatread

Good friends are truly a blessing. I am extremely grateful for the ones that have carried me through this whole ordeal, and I am also thankful for the ones that have left me alone. Some people just understand that if I wanted to talk about it I would, and some people just don't get that I don't want to be the subject of today's hot gossip discussion. My business is not something I want to spread around the barn like wildfire, I don't want insincere sympathy and I don't want to discuss it with everyone. Unfortunately the reason some people want the details is so they can have information to blab about. So if you are one of those people that loves to gossip and thrives on others misfortune, and who's horse is the latest tragedy, please do not ask me how my horse is doing, and do not tell me I am not alone because so and so's horse has problems too. That's private and that's not your business to tell me or anyone! This is not directed at any of my wonderful caring blogging friends or any of my friends who are genuinely concerned. Sorry for the rant, but some of my recent stress is about how to avoid all the questions from people at the barn. Whew, feels good to get that off my chest!

No dirt pathways here! All rubber pavers.

beautiful track at the rehab facility

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Out for a walk

Mazzy visiting her friend Charles.

Checking out the sights.

Mazzy is on light duty, only hand walking, so Kylie has been getting my full riding time every night. Despite the 100 degree weather, and the consistent riding every night, Kylie was a lunatic last night. By the time I got out to ride her is was cooler (maybe 80's), and she was raring and ready to go. I'm hoping for a mellow Kylie tonight.

I sometimes wonder if horses are susceptible to mental disorders. Heck, enough people are, why not horses? I would say Kylie could be Schizophrenic. Most days she is a joy, but some days not so much. She is frantic for who knows what reason. I have owned her since she was first broke, so there are no weird incidences that I know of to make her wacky. I honestly think she either hallucinates, is paranoid, or hears voices (other than mine). It has developed over time, I think. I do not remember these episodes in her youth. Luckily it is not all the time and I'm not quite sure, even after over 10 years, what sets it off. I think she just wakes up like that. It is not due to time off, because I have given her weeks off and she comes out quiet as a church mouse, and sometimes she will be good for weeks at a time being worked daily and I change nothing then one day...crazy! Luckily she is never dangerous, just hyper sensitive to everything (except me). But then the next day, she is completely normal, quiet calm and perfect. According to Wikipedia, "Diagnosis is based on the patient's self-reported experiences and observed behavior. No laboratory test for schizophrenia currently exists." So I guess there is no way to diagnose this in horses. My trainer and I have discussed this many times, but we have decided Kylie is just Kylie, and we have come to accept her quirkiness. Luckily there are some good days are some really good days that make me accept the willy nilly days.

I just thought of the one thing that does send her into panic mode....the pickup truck with the wood bed. It somewhat resembles the truck that comes to pick up the horses after they are put to sleep, so I can understand her panic. When she sees this truck (which belongs to the barn owner's son-in-law so it is always on the property somewhere) she completely checks out. There is no talking her off the ledge at this point, our ride is OVER. I try to avoid it and for the most part we do, but occasionally it will drive past the ring while I am riding and Kylie goes into "frantic panic" mode. She shakes with fear. Poor girl! I have tried showing her that it will not hurt her, but in reality no matter how much someone showed me their pet snake would not hurt me I would want nothing to do with it! I couldn't get far enough away. Don't they all have such unique personalities?

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A glimmer of hope

I'm not any closer to an answer as to Mazzy's future, however, a good friend of mine connected me with the best in the field of joints (thank you Jennifer!). And I am talking BEST. C. Wayne McIlwraith, BVSc, PhD, DSc, FRCVS, Diplomate ACVS. He is the director of Colorado State University's Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, the most prominent and largest of the handful of such facilities in the country. He has led the veterinary profession in the development of its most important tools for treating joint disease.

Dr. McIlwraith is a world authority on equine joints. He has performed surgery on more than 10,000 horses. He is a Past-President of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and a recognized leader in the field of equine orthopaedic research and surgery. He consults worldwide as a specialist equine surgeon and has received national and international media attention for his contributions to joint research. Dr. McIlwraith is the author of four textbooks: Techniques in Large Animal Surgery, Equine Surgery: Advanced Techniques, Arthroscopic Surgery in the Horse and Joint Disease in the Horse. He has authored or co-authored over 250 refereed publications and textbook chapters, and has presented over 350 seminars both nationally and internationally to equine practitioners, veterinary specialty meetings and human orthopaedic meetings. His honors and accolades would easily fill the screen.

It doesn't take away the horrible situation, but it surely makes me feel that if there is anything that can be done, he is the man that can do it!

Managing Joint Disease in the Sport Horse Webinar by Dr. McIlwraith - very interesting, great information, but extremely scientific. Lots of studies
Growing Problems - TheHorse.com

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Poor Mazzy Girl

Perhaps I have been in denial that there is a problem with my young horse Mazzy, but I am fairly certain there is at this point. I guess by finally posting about it I am admitting it. She has been under saddle for just about a year now. From the beginning there has been a weakness behind which we at first attributed to her being young, very large, and having no fitness or muscle. Her training has progressed well, she wants to learn and enjoys working. She is really quiet, so I never have to lounge her, thankfully. I really look forward to riding her everyday because she just keeps getting better and better. Since I've raised her from birth I have a very special bond with her.

Due to her size and growth spurt at a young age I have kept her on monthly Adequan injections and a joint supplement (Recovery EQ with HA). She has always been stiffer going to the right, it is harder for her to bend that way, but don't all horses have a better and worse side? There are some other young horses at the barn that seem to be progressing faster, but I wasn't necessarily concerned with that because I didn't need my three year old jumping 3 foot courses if I want her to last more than a couple of years. I am perfectly happy with the slow pace she has been brought along at. She gets two professional rides a week which has worked out great. She gets to keep learning and I try and reinforce what my trainer teaches her. In March she seemed to have a sore back and was not quite right behind, taking shorter steps. I wasn't concerned because babies go through alot of changes and things get sore as they develop and learn to use different muscles. We gave her some time off. She was fine for the month of April and then the beginning of May was off on her right hind. Gave her a few days off and she seemed fine again. Meanwhile she was consistently hacked and wasn't working terribly hard. The end of May she came up sore again, so it was time for the vet to come out and look at her. She was quite positive to the stifle flexions and dragging her hind toes. We had already assumed her stifles were what was was bothering her, so it was no huge surprise. My vet evaluated her and gave me some options. 1) Injection of anti-inflammatory medications such as hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids directly into the joint OR 2) The use of bone marrow or Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IRAP).

When a joint is inflamed, it creates an unhealthy environment for healing. The inflammatory process can create a less-than-optimal chemical mix in the joint fluid. While non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications block production of PGE2 to effectively obstruct pain, cartilage breakdown continues. Corticosteroids prevent production of PGE2 to block inflammation and pain, but they also inhibit synthesis of the cartilage matrix and increase risk of infection. Traditional anti-inflammatory injection treat the symptoms. Mazzy is so young, so I really wanted to do the least invasive treatment.

And since IRAP treats the cause, we decided on IRAP. Also, because the IRAP serum is derived from the animal’s own blood, the possibility of adverse allergic or anaphylactic side effects is drastically reduced. The cost is quite high for IRAP, but I wanted to do what was best for my young horse. Many horses that do not respond to traditional anti-inflammatory injections respond to IRAP, so I figured I would go what works best. It really stinks having to even make this decision so early in her career!

IRAP uses the body's own protective mechanism to produce autologous conditioned serum (ACS) from your horse's own blood. The ACS counteracts the destructive effects of inflammation within the diseased joint. The procedure begins with drawing blood from your horse into a special patent syringe. The syringe contains chromium-coated glass beads which enhance production of anti-inflammatory proteins including IRAP. The blood is incubated for 24 hours at which point the blood is spun down and the conditioned serum is extracted and processed into individual doses that can be injected similar to a routine intra-articular joint medication.

Good article from The Chronicle of the Horse:
http://www.equinepi.com/links/IRAP.pdf

Post IRAP treatment:
Mazzy was hand walked/saddle walked daily for a week and then walk-trot for a week and now she is back to normal hacking. I have had some of the best rides on her since the IRAP, she has felt soft and light and her canter is so much more coordinated. It really has been such a pleasure feeling the improvement. And then...three weeks after the IRAP treatment, lame. So frustrating. I have the vet coming back out tomorrow.

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