scats
Well-Known Member
Hooligan has had a draggy hind toe since I've owned him (he was 7, now 13). Passed vetting, draggy hind toe was believed to be laziness as you could stop it once he was working properly.
Later found out he'd come over from Ireland as a 4 year old with the problem, so it's a long-standing thing. Investigations of hocks, fetlock and SI area showed nothing.
Off for a couple of years after a DDFT injury in front. Found out he has advanced navicular in both front feet, but is carefully managed and sound in front. He does light hacking and once or two days of very light school work. I bought him to event, originally, so you could somewhat say I have altered my whole plan to give this horse the life he needs and secure him a forever home.
Last Autumn I noticed draggy toe getting worse on lunge and under saddle. A few days later he ended up injuring himself in the field and needing staples, so he had most of winter off. Back in work and hind leg issues still apparent, mostly in trot. Also in canter (just in field of his own accord), his draggy toe leg is going almost in front of his other hind leg. It's very odd. He comes cantering up the field and looks like he's missing a leg. Farrier mentioned last week that he's gone very stiff behind when holding his hind feet up, but he said he felt it was fetlock.
So Leahurst have been booked for next week to investigate the issue. Also got the horse back vet coming to give him a look over too. I did have his back checked 6 weeks ago by my physio, but just covering all angles again.
If it is hocks, I'm assuming it's bone spavin, or some form of arthritis. Any success stories of medicating the joint? What is the likelihood it has already fused and I am dealing with a mechanical issue? I would just like the horse to remain comfortable for light hacking and occasional light schooling if possible. Greatest aim would be an intro or prelim test. He's an idiot, frankly, and needs a job. He's cost me over £15k in vet bills since his arrival 6 years ago, so no expense has been spared with this animal, but my god I don't know how much more I can take.
Doesn't appear to be in any noticeable pain when moving about in the field, happily trots and canters everywhere, big grin on his face, but obviously there is some element of stiffness or discomfort be toe dragging worse and struggling to hold for farrier.
Anyone had similar?
Later found out he'd come over from Ireland as a 4 year old with the problem, so it's a long-standing thing. Investigations of hocks, fetlock and SI area showed nothing.
Off for a couple of years after a DDFT injury in front. Found out he has advanced navicular in both front feet, but is carefully managed and sound in front. He does light hacking and once or two days of very light school work. I bought him to event, originally, so you could somewhat say I have altered my whole plan to give this horse the life he needs and secure him a forever home.
Last Autumn I noticed draggy toe getting worse on lunge and under saddle. A few days later he ended up injuring himself in the field and needing staples, so he had most of winter off. Back in work and hind leg issues still apparent, mostly in trot. Also in canter (just in field of his own accord), his draggy toe leg is going almost in front of his other hind leg. It's very odd. He comes cantering up the field and looks like he's missing a leg. Farrier mentioned last week that he's gone very stiff behind when holding his hind feet up, but he said he felt it was fetlock.
So Leahurst have been booked for next week to investigate the issue. Also got the horse back vet coming to give him a look over too. I did have his back checked 6 weeks ago by my physio, but just covering all angles again.
If it is hocks, I'm assuming it's bone spavin, or some form of arthritis. Any success stories of medicating the joint? What is the likelihood it has already fused and I am dealing with a mechanical issue? I would just like the horse to remain comfortable for light hacking and occasional light schooling if possible. Greatest aim would be an intro or prelim test. He's an idiot, frankly, and needs a job. He's cost me over £15k in vet bills since his arrival 6 years ago, so no expense has been spared with this animal, but my god I don't know how much more I can take.
Doesn't appear to be in any noticeable pain when moving about in the field, happily trots and canters everywhere, big grin on his face, but obviously there is some element of stiffness or discomfort be toe dragging worse and struggling to hold for farrier.
Anyone had similar?
