He looks odd.. Opinions please.

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niagaraduval

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My french trotter about 5 mins ago, sorry for the light but I have been thinking about this for a few days. He has just been a very poorly boy, got over his troubles with daily injections and medication. He's looking better in his self. His coat is very glossy and shiny, no problem there (not good light though I know, I can get better photos tomorrow).

He has been out of work for pretty much all winter and TBH didn't do much last year either. He spent all summer out with his friend, horsey heaven. He has done some light hacking this year, hasn't been ridden for a few weeks now as threw a shoe and farrier said that if he looses another one that's it can't be shod because he has very little hoof wall left. Anyway, still has his shoes and his hooves have grown and are looking good.

2 Weeks ago he fell ill, cue having to cry down the phone to vet at 2 am.. for him to come out asap in the night. He's been in/out just mooching about in the sun for the past 2 weeks getting over his illness.

Everything is up to date, and I have had a few comments about his big belly. It's weird because he has a large belly but he still seems skinny to me ? How can this be ? He is lacking muscle but apart from this he is in very nice condition, his coat is gleaming. He is wormed and hasn't ever had worms since I have owned him (7 years).

What do you think about him weight wise, muscle wise etc. ? I find him just really odd..

He looks like he has a fat belly but also quite ribby ?

Add - White bit on whithers is cream, silly horse managed to hurt himself with his rug when out rolling he is also covered in dirt, will brush him tommorrow...








Maybe better photos of him out tomorrow will help ?
 
It could just be that he has been out of work?

Does he often stand with one leg pointed forwards like that?
 
I think that's just how he is standing. He's not usually stood like that. I haven't done any tests or checks on him at all, he is just recovering from a serious bout of heaves. Do you think I need to get a blood test done ?

I do rotate wormers, so hopefully manage to kill most types. Do you think I should be worming him again ?
 
A horse on our yard looks the same shape she was diagnosed with Cushings her belly looks large and as she has lost top line she looks ribby,also the hollows over her eyes were bulging out and she had a slight crest on her neck a lot of people think only old horses get Cushings but young horses can get it also,I think there is a blood test that is free ,you just need your vet to take the sample .
 
Our one has been with us almost a yearv& our yard follows a strict worming routine so everything is covered, this did not change his bloated belly.
 
Hi
We have a 5yr old TB (rescue job). I couldn't ndersand why he was ribby looked bloated and wasn't putting on any top line.

As all other posts have stated, the obvious (and probable)cause is worms or virus, and agree first thing is worm count and blood test, which is exactly what we did with ours. Came back clean, had hm scoped for ulcers, none. He actually had a really bad kissing spine and he was in considerable pain. Two months on, injections and bute have removed the pain, he is on the walker to get some muscle tone and enjoying time in the field. His condition has improved considerably, and will soon be in a state where it is possible to operate on the KS (his condition was too bad before).

Might be worth having the vet X-ray his spine if all else fails.
 
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It is quite possible thst after a year of practically no work and with lovely grass coming through and what looks to be plentiful food in your pictures, he is just unmuscled and a little bloated. I wouldn't be overly concerned myself but I would be getting a worm count done and asking a vet just to do a thorough check over before bringing into work. It's amazing how poor horses can look when they are perfectly healthy, just long term out of work, so no muscle.
 
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