Abnormal gait at pasture

L

loobiloo

Well-Known Member
Joined
6 December 2007
Messages
196
Visit site
Can anyone help as I'm really confused?!

About 8 weeks ago I bought a ShetlandXdartmoor for my daughter and up until the last 3 days she has been fine. However now when she is grazing she lifts her hind legs high (exaggerating her gait) but very very slowly. She is also huffing a lot, although that may be because of the rise in temperature and she is very fluffy. I've considered stringhalt and shivers but she's not trembling and the movement is in no way sudden. Could it be laminitis? - but if so it is odd because it is only her hind legs.

Any help?? Please I'm at a loss!
frown.gif
 
Don't panic! It is unlikely to be shivers or a myopathy in the EPSM spectrum as finding these conditions in little native ponies in as rare as rocking horse poo. It is a rare condition in drafts/warmbloods/heavies and their x'S.

Wobblers is also extremely rare in small ponies. As with EPSM/Shivers, wobblers does not usualy apear instantly, it is a progressive condition.

Hope that makes you feel better! I know how stressy it is when you buy a new one and your on the look out for any problems.

I have to agree with the flies issue. Over the last few days the little gits have been hatching like mad. She is probably wafting flies away from her belly, or has something lurking in her winter coat. The coat itself will be very itchy at the moment as it is shedding.

If I had a pony who was doing this I would eliminate discomfort as a cause. Make some fly spray (loads of recipies on here) and spray it on her under carriage before turning her out. I would also curry comb her to get rid of any irritating loose hair. While I was doing this I would have a good look in the mane, tail and coat to see if there is anything living there. If I found lice, or suspected mites, I would worm with an ivermectin wormer, or get some frontlinge from the vet.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top