Feeling guilty...is it my fault?

[Suec04]

So, i have had my new mare for 6 weeks. She had a muscle strain within 5 days of her being home, was put on 2 weeks box rest and Danilon. Came sound and we have been walking in hand/undersaddle and building up to short trots in the field, school and on the road since then. Last thursday, i was enjoying our daily hack so much that i was tempted into a short canter (max 10 strides only) and yesterday she came in lame. No heat or swelling, same side as last time. Have i pushed her too quick with that short canter?. she wanted to go and loved it! but now we are back to square one. The vet will be coming out to see her thursday and she will be rested until then but i am feeling terribly guilty for wanting to enjoy her

 

[*hic*]

It's not likely to be linked to the canter, problems arising from that would have shown up sooner. However, once she's back going again I wouldn't add anything in until the vet has specified it. That will prevent any future guilty worries.

btw, don't feel guilty for wanting to enjoy her, our "new" mare gave herself a serious injury on day 13 of owning her. She then had seven months box rest so I quite understand where you're coming from, but just take it as slow as the vet says - and FWIW if you miss a day and you're supposed to be adding minutes per day, on the next day back don't add the minutes, rather take them off (ie go back a stage). It's a PITA but will be worth it in the end.

 

[Suec04]

Thank you for your reply. It has gone some way to ease my guilt I think that was the problem, the vet wasn't very specific about how long i should take to do things. having never had a lame horse of my own before, i was just going by what my mare was telling me.....i will ask for more specific instructions next time.

 

[_GG_]

It's not likely to be linked to the canter, problems arising from that would have shown up sooner. However, once she's back going again I wouldn't add anything in until the vet has specified it. That will prevent any future guilty worries.

btw, don't feel guilty for wanting to enjoy her, our "new" mare gave herself a serious injury on day 13 of owning her. She then had seven months box rest so I quite understand where you're coming from, but just take it as slow as the vet says - and FWIW if you miss a day and you're supposed to be adding minutes per day, on the next day back don't add the minutes, rather take them off (ie go back a stage). It's a PITA but will be worth it in the end.

Great advice

Don't feel guilty. I agree with J A

 

[applecart14]

I would personally say your new mare is demonstrating a physical problem which is yet undiagnosed.
I would consider your vet doing a lameness investigation if this carries on for much longer to get to the route of the problem, get a correct diagnosis and treat as appropriate.
Am I right in assuming you got a full five stage vetting for the mare? Did that reveal any issues?

 

[Suec04]

I would personally say your new mare is demonstrating a physical problem which is yet undiagnosed.
I would consider your vet doing a lameness investigation if this carries on for much longer to get to the route of the problem, get a correct diagnosis and treat as appropriate.
Am I right in assuming you got a full five stage vetting for the mare? Did that reveal any issues?

Yes, i did have the full 5 stage vetting and she passed with flying colours. The vet that examined her knew her when she belonged to a colleague of hers and she had never had any lameness issues prior to this. i agree, it needs a proper diagnosis....i guess i'm worried about what they may find

 

[chestnut cob]

Yes, i did have the full 5 stage vetting and she passed with flying colours. The vet that examined her knew her when she belonged to a colleague of hers and she had never had any lameness issues prior to this. i agree, it needs a proper diagnosis....i guess i'm worried about what they may find

I wouldn't worry too much at the moment - if she passed a 5 stage vetting very recently then it could be something as simple as a knock or muscle strain. She could have been fine then hooned around the field for a minute, stopped quickly and pulled that same muscle again. It could be as easy as that. See what your vet says but I do agree with the above poster that if it carries on, you'll need a lameness workup but I'd imagine your vet will suggest that anyway. Hope she's on the mend soon.

 

[Suec04]

thanks chestnut cob.

the farrier came out yesterday and she had a loose shoe! we are wondering whether she was being 'a bit careful' because it was moving?Wwhen we trotted her up after she was much better, not 100%, but better! going back to walking only for a couple of weeks to see if she improves with some muscle strength