Hamster Head!

[Morrigan_Lady]

Does anyone elses horse come in from the field looking like a Hamster thats stored all its food in its cheeks?
Do you ride them like that?

Arch came in last night looking like a Hamster mutant!

His cheek bones had lumps sticking out either stide and his glands were huge.
I didnt ride him last night as I thought it would be uncomfortable for him to work on the bit, plus I dont think Id have got his throat lash done up!

 

[TinselRider]

yup lol tis yet anothr wonder work of our grass

will sometimes ride with his cheeks like that but depends on the severity of the swelling and of course if they are causing him irritation

 

[JenHunt]

they get it when the grass is either very short or very poor (both possible at this time of year) and it happens because in chewing not much they force air into little pockets around the head that usually have a small amount of air of fluid in.
the swellings are harmless unless they are preventing movement, and will generally subside quicker with long stem forage (hay/haylage/whatever) and exercise.

hope this helps!

 

[Morrigan_Lady]

Thank you jencash, that is very interesting.

There is no grass in Archie's paddock at all, so that would explain it. Its gone down by the morning.

 

[vicm2509]

Baron came in with them a few weeks ago, first time ever. He only had it on one side, gave it a good poke and it didnt bother him so I rode

 

[disco]

Your lucky, Widget comes in looking 6 months pregnant!,

which is why she cant go out every day poor girl

 

[irishdraught]

I posted about this on the veterinary page last week. I have never seen this before but my 2 yr old has started coming in like this. Everything else about her is fine and it does appear as jencash has stated.

You never stop learning with horses!!