Hi Dr Valentine,
Just wanted to update you on Rudy. We did put him on the Platinum Performance, standard dose and saw a little improvement. Then added another scoop per day and saw better improvement. We also switched from Soy oil to Canola oil which they like better and has more Omega 3 vs Omega 6. My Mother is also having him massaged once a week and that has been the biggest help. I guess with him being lame for some time the muscles he was over-using needed to be worked out. He was very stiff and tight through his back. He has now developed ringbone in the right rear (opposite of the front left lame leg). But so far it has not seemed to effect him.
My problem now is that with both Buddy (Belgian/Clyde cross) and Rudy (Belgian/Qtr cross) being on this Platinum Performance supplement, they started gaining weight, so they are now only getting the supplement, the oil and a little bit of alfalfa cubes to soak up the oil. The supplement must make their bodies more efficient.
Anyway, thanks for always being there. I like having a place to go to for help. My vet is not very informed on draft issues.

Nicole

Thanks for sharing this mostly good news. Sorry to hear about the ringbone, but it is certainly not uncommon in drafts. Usually it is in front, though. Keep doing what you are doing to help make these horses healthy and comfortable!