Boxrest + inhand walking concerns

S

sarahhowen

Well-Known Member
Joined
25 August 2007
Messages
64
Visit site
Okay, so back in January indi came up lame and 4 weeks ago we were diagnosed with collateral ligament damage to the coffin joint and a bruised pedal bone, we are seven weeks into 12 weeks of box rest with 2 x 15 minutes handwalking twice a day.

Now indi has been a a pretty stressy warmblood and week 4 of boxrest we had an episode of colic, since then he seems to of accepted the fate of boxrest and has been walking out well and showing no signs of lameness at walk, however the last few days he hasn't been quite so forward to walk out, I have removed his back shoes and we do have to walk down a gravel drive to get off the yard but is it normal for a horse to almost become institutionalised after periods of box rest, he is pretty bright in himself and active in the stable - could it just be from being footsore on his back feet during this transitional period or am I just bein neurotic and worrying unnecessarily??
 
Firstly, you know your horse, so do ask your vet about concerns you have.

I have Big Fuzzy currently on box rest, only started walking end last week (Fri) for 2 x 5mins & we increase at 5 day intervals by 5 mins a time.
Initially we pottered out on a headcollar the 1st 2 times (amazing as can be a nit!) but last night I saw the old spark back - and again this morning, both times coming back.
I am making sure the walk is active after the 1st day & that she is using herself, but already muscle is wasting & this needs to be built back up.
Bridle on tonight (yes, I know - I ought to be using a bridle anyway, but have conformed with hat & gloves tho all the time! :p ) and back to quiet horse again - very unlike her, tho alertly looking on the way home but not a hoof out of line on my march...
Mine is getting a 5 min pick at grass too now she is allowed out & this is perking her up a bit.
Shoes are on mine, she would be footy on the track I am using & will hang back if unshod as not happy.

Keep a good eye on your horse & if it persists to be out of character then ask a professional - vet and farrier 1st :)

Hope yours mends well :)
 
I had mine shod again at the start of April after being unshod/barefoot since August last year. His stride instantly lengthened and he happily trots. Even with boots he shuffled. I think some horses are better un shod and some better shod. Just use your own commons sense,don't rush into anything either way, take advice and mainly listen to your horse. Good luck.
 
Thanks guys, the reluctance does seem a little out of character for him, but to be honest not exploding at the first instance is not what I would imagine his behaviour to be, in saying that, I have never had him or any horse in for this length of time and dealing with a ligament injury is new to me!

What I am concerned about is this reluctance being his way of indicating that he is in some pain, I know the walking is essential to encourage the healing to happen correctly but should I worry or am.I just being somewhat neurotic and over thinking?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top