Having a wobble, barefoot, weight issues :(

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katymay

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Jester has been barefoot six weeks tomorrow, I thought it has been going okay, using front boots for hacks as we are limited to road work, we have no school. seems okay on his backs but looking at the signs he isn't 100% comfortable yet, he has kind of lost his spark, isn't very forward going anymore and I have to push him on constantly, on the way back from the hack he hangs his head low and to me feels like a pain response as appose to being super relaxed.
he used to be very looky and spooky but he has lost that too as I guess he has soreness to fill his mind.
I was prepared to wait it out another six weeks after farrier visit tomorrow to see if there is any further improvement but other issues are rearing their ugly head at the moment.
Jesters hollows above his eyes have filled and he is looking cresty although I can feel his ribs, I am panicking about IR or EMS, he is pretty much on a bare paddock so therefore high fibre low sugar diet but gets the fence moved a tiny bit every day whilst I am creating a track system.
he seems a little lethargic, either that or super chilled, I cant decide which one!
what do I do? was going to call the vet for advice, and cushings test, half of me is thinking get him re-shod so I can up the exercise, make him comfortable and get the extra weight off, the other half is stick at it he will get more comfortable.
I just want my old boy back :(
 
If you think there may be metabolic issues, & it sounds like a possibility, then I'd get him tested. If you go to the Talk About Laminitis site you can print off a voucher for a free cushings test at the moment.

Personally, particularly if he does come back positive for cushings, IR or EMS, I'd have shoes back on so I could keep him comfortable enough to exercise which will help control the problem. Any of these will make him more difficult to take barefoot & it may not be a practical option. But get him comfortable & everything under control & there's nothing to stop you trying again at a later date.

Just my opinion though.
 
I would defiantly take specialist advice and get the vet to see the horse I think you are probably right and he's uncomfortable and that's what's giving you the symptoms you are seeing.
I would be thinking along the lines of shoeing as well it's very hard to go from shod to bf on a horse needing a lot of work , you might try again in winter when the grass is not so much of an issue .
 
sorry,I don't think you are describing super chilled just sore feet.
You could test this by booting the hinds. You may then find he moves a lot better which would give you an answer. I would guess that if you only have roads you are doing more work than his hinds can currently cope with.
Your answer then is either to boot all 4 feet or to shoe to enable you to exercise him.
If you stick at it and ride him with sore feet which he cannot cope with then the knock on effects, without simply just being unfair to the horse, are to his temperament ie he starts to hate going out and to the rest of his body as he carries himself badly to try and compensate for the pain.

have you checked for soreness around the frog due to thrush/fungal infection. That can make it painful for a horse to land in it's heel.
 
I have him booked in to be reshod on Friday, I cant have him in pain, physio is also booked in to try and alleviate any damage that may have been caused by the sore feet.
my poor boy, think the break from shoes has done in him some good as in re-growth but the knock on effects with exercise haven't been great. Will give him another break out of shoes over winter as he can have that time off of work to be a happy field ornament with his companion.
his frogs are perfect, no infections and not sore as I maintain them every day.
thanks all, I really appreciate the advice, and will be booking a cushings test just so I can see what I am dealing with
 
I would also check with the vet that he is getting enough energy/nutrients etc. in his diet, based on his size and work. Although it is important for them to lose weight when chubby, too much restriction can make them lethargic too (happened to a horse belonging to a friend of mine).
 
wkiwi said:
I would also check with the vet that he is getting enough energy/nutrients etc. in his diet, based on his size and work. Although it is important for them to lose weight when chubby, too much restriction can make them lethargic too (happened to a horse belonging to a friend of mine).
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he has a small feed of fast fibre and chaff to carry his forage plus and linseed oil so in theory should be getting a wide range of bits , but will definitely be asking the vet for advice thank you :)
 
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