Equine Wobbler Syndrome - Help!

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outram37

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My friends 6 year old cob x has recently been diagnosed with the condition and is said to be in the early stages. The vet has said he can be turned away to retire but her farrier says he can be worked? He was to be used for riding and driving. His gait in the hind quarters is clearly affected, he was given to my friend by his previous owners who said he was kept stabled as a colt and is therefore under developed! Of course, we know now that this is not the case. He appears to be able to lie down and get up quite easily for now but has anyone reading this experienced this syndrome and can offer some guidance on "the right thing to do?" She doesn't want to put him him down but then doesn't want a drama of him being stuck in a field or cast in the stable at some point in the future? help?!
 
I'm afraid if he already wobbles noticeably when walking then she already faces the issue of finding him down and unable to get up. I had my ten year old put down for that very reason, though he was bright, happy and in no pain.

She should ask her farrier if he would put his daughter or wife on a horse who could lose his footing and fall on her at any moment :(
 
Thank you for taking the time to reply. She's finding it difficult because he looks perfect until he starts to walk. Bless him he's such a cutie but i think you are right. My friend has tasked me with getting other horse owners views on this subject, i think she is trying to reassure herself. So thank you, I will pass it on! :)
 
Thank you for taking the time to respond. Yes, his wobble is very noticeable when he is walking, his gait downhill is quite pronounced. I agree what you say about the farrier, I bet he would think twice if it were his daughters horse! I will pass all comments on to my friend, she is not a silver surfer (she was 64 this march and has had horses most of her life!) Thank you
 
I am afraid if the horse is that noticeable as a wobbler , I would do the right thing by him .The horse will be perfectly aware there is a problem when they get an attack.Just leading them will involve a risk of injury or indeed being anywhere around them. As for the farrier what a muppet!!
 
outram37 said:
Thank you for taking the time to respond. Yes, his wobble is very noticeable when he is walking, his gait downhill is quite pronounced. I agree what you say about the farrier, I bet he would think twice if it were his daughters horse! I will pass all comments on to my friend, she is not a silver surfer (she was 64 this march and has had horses most of her life!) Thank you
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There is no doubt that I would have the horse put down, on the basis of your description. It would be unfair to retire him with anything but the most quiet and gentle companion, and she might find him any day down and unable to get up, with all the trouble stress that will involve for them both. It's a horrible situation, but the right thing to do would be to end it for the horse and cry herself to sleep for however long it takes to realise that it was the only fair thing to do. I know exactly how she feels, I have been there myself. Two years later I still miss him, he was such a huge character, but I owed him a fast and dignified end. RIP Jazz :(

If she wants to talk, pm me for my phone number.
 
Thank you so much for replying. I know she is clutching at straws and doesn't want to do "the right thing" as when he's stood still he's perfect. So hard. She has only just got over losing her beloved coloured stallion to arthritis earlier this year and then in May this year her Dales driving pony was diagnosed with insulin dependency and a mild heart murmur so she really is having a run of bad luck. Her horses want for nothing and she is the most dedicated loving person to her horses that I have ever come across. I will fathom out how to PM you her number as I am sure she will be glad of a chat. Thank you so much.x
 
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