Balance issues (also in Vet)

LaurenBay

LaurenBay

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Me again, My Horse seems to have one problem after another

This time its to do with her balance. She's always been one sided since I got her in May. The vet picked up on it during the 5* vetting and said she was weak through her left stifle, but it wasn't a problem. It would come right when she is fitter and being schooled. So I don't know if it's to do with that.

Well she is getting there. But recently (last couple of days or so) her balance isn't great. I notice it especially when picking out her hooves. When I pick the front up she snatches it away, shifts her back legs around and then lets me pick it out. The other front leg she doesn't like me picking up at all, although she will, yesterday she actually fell over onto her knees. She doesnt appear to be lame on this leg at all and is still acting her usual self. Happily charging around the field with her friends. Hacking out etc. So I'm thinking maybe she has tweaked a muscle or something in her shoulder?

The other thought I had was maybe an ear infection or mites. She doesn't like her ears being touched anyway. I've smelt her ears though and they were fine. But I'm not ruling it out completly. I will call the vet this evening to have a chat with him (have to wait until my tea break :rolleyes:). But just wondering if you had any thoughts.

The only other thing that has crossed my mind, is that it is a nerological problem. But I don't want to think about that just yet :(

Any ideas?
 
It sounds like she is in discomfort somewhere, has her stifle area improved?
I would chat to the vet see what he thinks and maybe see if he will refer to a good physio to give her some treatment.
She should not be falling over when you pick out a foot,is she ok with farrier?
 
If you are worried about her balance, there is an easy test. Stand to one side of her and take hold of her tail, pull the tail towards you, quite firmly - I don't mean snatch at the tail, just put pressure and try to pull her towards you. A normal horse will adjust it's balance in a split second, a horse with a problem, will allow itself to be pulled to one side, you can do this while the stand and while they are walking.
 
She is fine for the farrier but it has only been recent that this has started happening. She is due for farrier next week though. I will of course warn him and stay with her, but I can't just not get her shod :(. Will ring vet up in tea break and ask him to come out and give her a once over. She is still very happy to work though, but I will hold off from ridden work until it's sorted.
 
Just got off the phone from the vet, his coming out tomorrow at 8.30. I will let you know what he says. I just hope it's easily fixable.
 
Quick update.

Vet has been, she has ruled out ear problems, nerological probs (thank god), woblers and lameness. She said that Ruby appeared to be less then a tenth lame on her right hind but it isn't causing her a problem and it wasn't even worth mentioning. She has recomended physio and she reckons that her mucsles are the problem. Because I got her 3 1/2 months ago and she is being worked 5-6 times a week, after being in a field doing nothing before. That her muscles are developing more and thats whats aching her.

So hoping that she will be happier once shes had that done :)
 
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