Footsore horse now a bit underweight ?

Horseback Rider

Horseback Rider

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I posted previously about my footy TB. http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=468025

And as amany people suggested this could be the early signs of Lami I have started bringing him in the day with a hay net. The field he is in at night does not have loads of grass and he is starting to drop of weight now not loads but even a small amount is noticable on him.

Obviously I dont want to put him out on loads of grass due to the possibility of lami should I consider upping the hard feed ?
 
I would get vet to check him out if you're still worried- did the farrier say your horse had a bounding pulse at all? as that can indicate problems such as laminitis.

Was your horse overweight at all?

Foot sore probs can also mean many other things as well as laminitis ie could have trod on something, the ground has been very hard, nail bind, foot balance etc etc.

I would increase the hay if he is dropping weight and soak it too, and feed for the work he is doing, they still have to eat and get their nutrients- there are many high fibre, low sugar/starch feeds available if you were worried about the laminitis possibility. If he puts on weight (ie too much weight) decrease feed and if he needs more weight, up it. But only you, your farrier and vet know your horse the best so go by what you feel, and their advice- good luck.
 
He has shoes on and wasn't overweight in the first place just footy and was out 24/7 so now is in the day and out at night the footiness has gone. The farrier looked at him first as he had just been shod when I noticed it and we both agreed there was no pulse, however he did have slight bruising so he adjusted the shoe to try and help that.

He is a typical TB so weight is always an issue
 
Horseback Rider said:
He has shoes on and wasn't overweight in the first place just footy and was out 24/7 so now is in the day and out at night the footiness has gone. The farrier looked at him first as he had just been shod when I noticed it and we both agreed there was no pulse, however he did have slight bruising so he adjusted the shoe to try and help that.

He is a typical TB so weight is always an issue
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I'm no vet but doesn't sound like laminitis- if he is tb then sounds as you say footsore!- good luck with him!
 
Being footsore IS an early sign of laminitis and I say that as the owner of a lean TB that suffers terribly from low grade lammi. OP says the horse is now in during the day when the sugar levels are higher and the footiness has gone.


OP are you able to give him hay in the field over night? Does he get ad-lib during the day when he's in? What hard feed is he getting?
 
I wouldn't increase the hard feed myself. Are you soaking the hay? Some hays can be very high in starch and sugars and unless you have it tested you can't tell.

Un mollassed beet should help if too much weight is lost.

Have a read of the 'Feeding the hoof' article on this link. Might be some help. http://www.hoofrehab.com/hoof articles by Pete Ramey.htm
 
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You may need to get an independent person to judge his weight/conditionto be honest.
Most horses in the UK don't get much hard work, and it is not likely that he is starving is it {having such a good mum, lol]
What you need to do is to get him in to a regular working routine, so that he has a regular shape, can you post up a picture or two.
Almost all TBs need to be monitored, and given Vits and Mins, try Allen and Page Calm and Condition or ask their advice.
 
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How about adding a bit of oil to his feed? That shouldn't affect his feet, but will help his condition. It often complements a high fibre, low sugar diet.
 
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