Help! I need ideas to advise a friend about her pony

Nickles1973

Nickles1973

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A pony at my yard (actually belongs to the YO) is shared by a good friend of mine. He's 21 but beleives himself to be about 5 lol! About 2 weeks ago she took him out for a hack and when having a canter across the stubble he went a bit loopy and took her off for a flat out gallop. She brought him back and he seemed fine the next day but the day after that he was really lame on his near side front. (he was actually hardly putting any weight on it when standing) There was quite a bit of heat and so the owner started cold hosing and gave him bute for a couple of days and kept him in. About 4 days after that he seemed to be getting better and his owner turned him out into a field that had been resting (long grass) with a quiet friend. After another couple of days he appeared to be lame again so the owner has now put him back on box rest. I have tried to suggest to the owner that now would be a good time to get the vet but as money is really tight and the pony isn't insured she's holding off as long as she can. The thing is I took a look in at him this morning and it looked to me that he was leaning to one side and taking the weight off his poorly leg. I used to share this pony myself and I hate to think that he's suffering but I don't know what the best thing to do for him would be. I know that my friend is due to pay her share money this week and I wondered if it would be fair for her to suggest that instead of paying to share him she should pay for the vet to visit? Sorry this has gone on so long but any suggestions would be great.
 
I suppose it depends on their contract - if they have one ! However I would personally offer to pay half the vet bill if I was sharing as surely it is a case of what is in the best interest for the horse now ? I would take it off bute (if it is still on it) and get the vet out asap. Is there no one at the yard who needs a vet for flu / tet etc that they can share call out with if money is that tight ?
 
I'd advise her to get the vet before the pony either gets worse (and possibly doubles the vet costs) or someone reports her for failing to get vet help for a sick animal.

Vets will, if straits are dire, allow a gradual repayment of monies due. poor pony. He needs a vet NOW.
 
She needs to get the vet asap, I can't believe someone would even let it get this far with out having the vet in the first place when the pony first went lame.

Hope it's nothing serious and everything works out for the pony and your friend though.
 
He's not been on bute since about 5 days after he first went lame and the vet is due next week to do flu/tet for him and the Yo's own horse but I still think this is too long for him to wait. I'm glad I'm not alone in thinking that this has gone on way long enough for the poor boy. I just wish I was in a stronger position to be able to negotiate on his behalf. Obviously as my horse is there as a livery I don't want to get into an argument with the yard owner, and I also don't want to fall out with my friend. But needless to say if I was still his sharer I would have had the vet already and paid the bill myself.
 
You didn't say where he was warm - foot?

If it is the foot - when is he next due for the farrier? You could get him up to check - could be just a punctured sole and then you won't need to call the vet.

I do believe we all a bit too quick to call out the vet these days when a horse goes lame - I mean if it was colic or similar then yes, of course get them out pronto but lameness - no, sorry - I always wait and see.

Farriers are great and vvv cheap and will give you loads of advice about lamness of the foot.
 
The farrier was out last Tues and had a good look at his feet. He did say something about the laminae in the foot he is favouring (can't remember what exactly but he wasn't overly worried) and he also said there was a little hole in the sole which may have indicated an abcess and he offered to come back to take the shoe off again and have another look but again she's um'ing and ah'ing about that. The heat has mostly been around the back of his lower leg from the fetlock up to and including the back of his knee. I'm also all for waiting a bit to see how things progress but surely after over 2 weeks with little or no improvement alarm bells should start to ring.
 
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