Any ideas - pony's ear?

[Vermeer]

Has anybody had this before - brought pony in tonight for her tea, noticed that she was tossing her head and that one ear was constantly turned back. I know it doesn't sound like much, but it's as if her ear was stuck there, it just looked like she holding it there on purpose. It didn't seem to be working in conjunction with her other ear! Anyway, had a feel and nothing seemed obvious, and she seemed back to normal after about 10 minutes. Does anyone know what this could have been?

 

[Barton Bounty]

Has she maybe got something in it? Or some waxy build up?

 

[Vermeer]

Has she maybe got something in it? Or some waxy build up?

Maybe! I had a look but couldn't see anything.... But I doubt I'd be able to see it unless it was very obvious?

 

[cauda equina]

Like this?
It was as if his ear had completely stopped working.
I had the vet out as I was worried there was something neurological going on, but they had no idea what it was and he recovered soon after
This was about 18 months ago and he's been fine since

 

[ponynutz]

Similar to people's fingers getting 'stuck'. I have to force mine to crack to 'unstick' it sometimes. Might be because I'm a piano player studying Music so my fingers are being overused but then I guess horses are also moving their ears all day every day?

Reassuring that someone has had the vet out and seemed to be nothing but I'd say to just keep an eye in case it starts becoming a regular thing.

 

[Fjord]

Could there have been something in it?

 

[Vermeer]

@cauda equina yes, similar - her ear wasn't quite as extreme but definitely the same sort of thing. I can't work out whether she couldn't actually move the ear or if she was holding it in that position on purpose, possibly out of discomfort etc. Very strange. Glad your boy was ok in the end

 

[Vermeer]

@ponynutz possibly! I thought it maybe could have been muscle related, or a trapped nerve? Can horses pull muscles in their ears? - I can see how being in constant use the ear might get stuck now and again. Will keep an eye on it definitely.

@Fjord maybe, I did have a look but couldn't see anything. Although whatever it is could be deeper down & extremely fluffy winter ears are stopping me from being able to see!

 

[rabatsa]

I had a donkey that would use his ear like that to point out discomfort somewhere else. The tighter clamped the ear the more uncomfortable he was.

If he put it down like that when driving I would hop off the carriage and feel along his tack. When I reached the spot his ear would stand up. Often it would be the first symptom of a tack rub.

 

[Vermeer]

@rabatsa oooh that's interesting! Definitely something to think about.

 

[Btomkins]

I know a horse that when he gets water in his ear/s they go like this, for example after his owner gets too keen bathing him. Resolves by itself in 24-48 hours.