Recently published trials show that horses suffering lameness caused by bone spavin can show marked improvement following treatment with a Tiludronate infusion, in combination with controlled exercise.

Bone spavin is the commonly used name for osteoarthritis of the lower hock joints. It is thought to be responsible for around a third of hind-limb lameness in horses and ponies in the UK. It usually affects both legs at the same time and it can be seen in horses and ponies of all ages and types.

The trials were carried out on a total of 108 pleasure horses, show-jumpers and eventers of a variety of sizes and breeds, all of which had been clinically diagnosed with bone spavin. Eighty seven horses completed the trials, comprising 42 Tiludronate treated horses and 45 placebo cases. By day 60 approximately 60% of the Tiludronate treated horses had improved in lameness by two grades or more, scored on a ten point system.
 
Tiludronate has been used to treat bone spavin successfully in Europe for several years. The treatment is designed to regulate and improve the bone remodelling occurring next to the arthritic joints, to slow down the degradation of the bone structures and to alleviate pain.

In simple terms bones remodel all the time but with osteoarthritic conditions such as bone spavin the bone-producing cells (oesteoblasts) can't keep up with the bone-removing cells (osteoclasts). Tiludronate actually helps to stop the osteoclasts from continuing to disrupt the bones within the joints. It prevents further damage and gives the osteoblasts a chance to catch up and repair the problem.

CEVA has recently produced a leaflet specifically to help horse owners to understand the diagnosis and treatment of bone spavin. Contact your vet to obtain a copy or for further information visit www.tildren.com