He is laying down a lot

[popsicle]

Dougal is an 11 year old 14.2h Irish Cob. Always greedy, never sick or lame, but for the past few days he has been a bit lethargic, leaves quite a bit of his hay, but eats hard feed. He has lost a bit of weight but is not skinny at the moment. He had his annual booster shots about 10 days ago, so not sure if he could STILL be suffering from the effects of this.
He lives out 24/7 and has been laying down a lot over the past few days too, noticably more than usual. There are no other signs of anything being wrong, no discharge, poo is normal etc. How long should we leave it before we get the vet do you think?

 

[paulineh]

Could be a virus.

We have had some funny weather over the last week and horses are loosing their coats which sometimes can do funny things to horses.

 

[FlashHarry]

We've had a lot of new grass coming through - have you checked his digital pulses? (I'm thinking laminitis).

 

[appylass]

We've had a lot of new grass coming through - have you checked his digital pulses? (I'm thinking laminitis).

My first thoughts too, I am watching my lami prone ones very carefully as our grass is growing like mad - for February!

 

[racebuddy]

morning, if he was mine i would check to ensure his temperature , pulse, resps are normal, also is it normal for him to leave his hay or haylage as this could indicate something is not quite right, aslo how alert is he in himself, bright and alert or quiet and lethargic?, if you are in any doub then i would get vet or even just ring vet after checking all vitial signs and they may advice you over the phone also. hope hes okxx

 

[Rueysmum]

Is he due for worming? A few years ago mine started lying down a lot at a time when he was overdue for his tape wormer and was obviously feeling uncomfortable in a low-grade colic way (long story). Once he was wormed he was fine.

 

[popsicle]

Thanks everyone!.. He seems a bit better at the moment. He has a slight nasal discharge now, but bright enough and eating hard feed. Will give vet a call just to be on the safe side.