I bought a three year old a year ago who passed a vet check.  Unfotunately, after I got him home he was lame.  A second vet check showed that he has lower ringbone.  Does anyone have any experience with this?  My vet thinks I should get rid of him.  I just can't send him through an auction and plan on keeping him as long as he isn't in too much pain.  Any ideas of things that may help?

Sorry to hear that your horse has ringbone.  It is very upsetting to hear that news, I'm sure.  We had a QH mare that was originally purchased for my daughter several years back, and she too developed ringbone.  We were able to keep her fairly comfortable on Bute and could ride her lightly.  Her discomfort seemed to be worse sometimes and better others with or without Bute.  Bute can be hard on a horse's stomach used long-term, so you'll have to watch that.  I also believe there's a fusing operation that can be done, but I personally know nothing about the proceedure.  Did your vet have any suggestions other than getting rid of him? 

Our mare ended up as a pasture buddy for another horse.  She is not currently being worked. 

Good luck to you, and I hope you are able to find a positive solution. 

These site make for some interesting reading.  Good luck - and I deeply apprciate your commitment to your horse.

http://www.healthehoof.com/case2.html

 http://www.betterbebarefoot.com/breaking_traditions_natual_hoof-care.php

My old guy has ring bone and so far, you wouldn't know it. He doesn't limp or hang his foot in the air. He took into running and bucking and it didn't bother him at all.

If it bothers him to much, I'll put him down.

 Did your vet have any suggestions other than getting rid of him? 

My vet did actually say that fussion was an option down the road.  He said it was very expensive but when the time comes I'll have that done.  How long were you able to use your horse until he became a pasture buddy?

 Thanks everyone for your suggestions and encouragement and websites! 

I think we could have kept riding her indefinitely, although only lightly.  Again, her lameness was worse some days than others.  When we gave her away to be a pasture buddy, we were glad to know she wouldn't be ridden by anyone since it reduced the risk that someone who didn't know better would get on and over do it with her.  

Due to the fact that bute can cause long term problems if your horse will need perminant inflam and pain meds, try the herbal remedies.  Devils Claw is good but only use it for short periods at a time as constant use can cause liver damage, but if he has a bad flare up it is a very good natural pain killer for short term usage.  No pain med is safe for any human or animal if taken daily for the rest of your life so just be careful, when he shows no signs of lameness dont give pain relief as it will do more bad than good....I know how it feels I have a broken back and i only take pain meds when I really need them, use the same principles with your horse, if showing no sign of pain then dont give pain relief.  I hope you can manage to control his pain.

OH.....you said he had a vet check and then when you got him home you found he had ringbone?  How soon after getting him home did he become lame?  The vet who gave you a clean bill of health may be at fault.