Getting hold of sedatives on a regular basis?

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Jericho

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One of my (new) horses has real issues with the farrier in that she hates her back feet being picked up - the first visit ended terribly and I really dont want to repeat the experience. Basically my farrier said he doesnt feel comfortable doing it (she was lashing out but in fright more than agression) and he got really cross with her. I didnt like his actions but he is a good and reliable farrier and I dont want to make a rash decision so wondered if sedating her before the next visit might help ....

When I bought her her old owner said that she had been badly treated in the past which has involved her hind quarters and it took a long while to gain her confidence and shoeing is a bit of an issue but with time and a calm confident farrier it is fine.

On top of this I suspect there is a number of arthritic changes in her hips and stifle and she is generally quite touchy about her hind quarters (fine to be ridden / jumped etc) to the point she doesnt like being groomed. I could nt work out whether it was psychological or memory of past pain or current pain. The vet has been and said nothing externally a problem and has given me a large dose of bute to give to her before the next visit to rule out the pain factor.

I do think that there is underlying memory of pain / bad experience going on here so combined with pain killers I just want to make the next visit from the farrier as calm and pain free as possible. So ..... was wondering what I could say to the vets so that they can prescibe them (without another callout!!!) to me?? Has anyone else done this?? I am waiting a call back from my vet but any snippets of good advice/ experiences / ACP vs Sedalin would be welcome please
 
I regularly collect ACP from my vets, I just call them and let them know im coming. They know my horse so it not an issue. Sedalin is easier to administer and also acts quicker than ACP. But ACP is cheaper.
 
Your post is so similar to my own situation that it's as if I had written it!

The farrier suggested Sedalin to disassociate "Evil farriers" with "Bad experiences", as Sedalin gives the horse a mellow feeling and will override the negativity she associates with being shod. Also I previously had a problem with her hinds as she wouldn't keep them still which was making accurate placement of the nails very difficult, and that in turn leads to more nailing and hoof wall breakdown, as well as nail prick on one occasion.

So I got some Sedalin, but that was a long and acriminious story as the vet charged for call out and consultation even though he was at the yard and there was nothing I would have called a consultation about it. So the tube of Sedalin cost me £77
shocked.gif


When it ran out and I couldn't get more I used Equine America SoKalm paste, and she has been very good for the 2 shoeings that she has been on that. So I'm hoping we have broken the cycle.
 
Should be able to just pick up some sedalin.

In defense of your farrier it doesn't matter whether she is lashing out from fear or aggression if he is injured and can't work. He may have every sympathy with your horse but unfortunately his other clients won't if he can't get to them.

Sorry for mini rant! My point was if she can't tolerate being brushed and generally handled around her hind end then she won't deal with being shod. Maybe you could work on that for a bit and not need so much sedative.
 
i tried the sedavitive route with my girl and coz she was that badly treated she just thought everything i gave her so i tried blind folding her holding on to her and tell the farrier not to talk so she thinks it is only you doing her feet and thats how i got around it in the end!
 
absolutely agree with you that farriers cant and shouldnt take risks. What I didnt like was the really agressive slaps and prods in the ribs my horse got for it - he didnt take any time to work through the issue - just grabbed her, yanked her feet about and then got angry when the horse reacted.

Also agree that there are other issues going on here - general touchiness etc and have booked a physio to come out as well and will try to get to the bottom of the problem. I am hoping that bute & sedative will just mean I can get her feet done with as less stress to her, my farrier and me and not keep a vicious circle going - i.e. bad farrier experience = dont go near my hind quarters = bad farrier experience.

I hope you understand...
 
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