Hind Leg Lameness

[Mousemagic]

After a nightmare 2007 for lameness - I thought I had got over the worst of it.

Yesterday, I decided to hack out my lad who seemed a bit stiff when I first got on. I was going out for a walk only with my partner and our dog. I stipulate that I walk only on the roads though advice from my vet and farrier. My horse seemed stiff but then he loosened up. We walked for about 1 hour very gently. I put him out on return and all seemed well. It's worth noting that parts of his field are pretty muddy and sometimes he is reluctant to leave the yard because the entrance is pretty muddy to get to the drier parts.

When I brought him in he was really lame on his off side hind and reluctant to put any weight on it. I checked to make sure nothing in there. But is resting the hindleg most of the time. Suspect that he may have sprained something in the mud. Have kept him in today on deep bed. Will cold hose when I get home tonight.

Will keep him in for a few days and check.

I have a sand and rubber school that I could turn him out in.

He is due for his annual booster at the end of the week - so if no better the vet is coming anyway.

Any advise.

 

[Grey_Arab]

Sounds like it may be a puss in the foot to have come on that quickly. I know you said that he was stiff to begin with but that may be coincidence. If not have a feel down the leg to see if there is any heat/swelling and then go from there. Getting the vet to have a look is probably the best bet.
Hope it all goes well.

 

[Mousemagic]

It's been a real nightmare - we had around 6 months last year when he was on/off lame and ended up having Tildren, IRAP and special shoes with gel pads in front.

Don't think the Kent soil suits my lad - rock hard in Summer and really sticky clay in winter.

Suspect a strain. But will give a really good check for heat etc tonight.

thanks

 

[NeilM]

We had something similar last week. Ours are kept out 24/7 on a sloping grass field which is clay soil. Its pretty good going, but a little sticky in a couple of places.

Our gelding has pulled a muscle in the upper part of one of his hind legs, causing stiffness and some swelling. A weeks rest has resolved it (on the advice of the vet), but I'm sure the cause was him tearing around the place, showing off to some new neighbours who have just moved into the next field.