Horse is lame :(

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katherine1975

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My OH's horse is lame, she was slightly lame in front after being shod. Had the farrier out and he couldn't find anything wrong so maybe it is just a coincidence that she became lame at that time. She seemed ok last week but is now lame when turning, doesn't seem too bad when she goes in a straight line. Any ideas?

No riding for us this weekend. I have the vet coming out next week. I hope she has just got a sprain/strain and nothing more serious.

Sods law this has happened just as we are about to buy a trailer and start going to fun rides etc.
 
I had a very similar problem in Feb with my horse. He went lame the day after being shod and had the farrier out three times and two vet visits and everything from an abcess to a fractured pedal bone were all in the frame. He ended up with a month off work for what ended up being a sore sole caused possibly by a stone bruise that was compounded by his shoe pushing on the sore spot. My advice would be that if he is only very slightly lame and you are sure there are no signs of soft tissue injury ie heat or swelling then start with getting the farrier back and making him take the shoe off and check the foot again. If this shows nothing then you have the option of leaving the shoe off and poulticing to see if it maybe an abcess and also as in my lads case he might become sounder without the shoe on. (Not normal for a flat footed tb so I knew then it was the shoe!) After that then really the vet would be my next call. It could be so many things at this time of year with the ground so hard and the spring grass so it doesn't have to be the end of your summer plans but better safe and all that . Good luck anyway!!
 
Thank you for your response, there is no heat anywhere in the leg or foot. Farrier used the hoof testers on her and this didn't cause her any pain. She is not badly lame, she is flat footed. I was wondering whether she might have a slight nail bind.
 
Nail bind here too.....if he never removed the shoe then you'd not know.

Sometimes it'll loosen off after a few days, but i'd have him remove the shoe and replace it and see if that makes a difference.
 
My biggest mistake back in Feb was not to insist that the shoe came off! I would start there if I were you. You may find as I did that your mare comes sound.
 
I have contacted the farrier again, he did say that he would come back if there was still a problem. I have got the vet booked for next week anyway, but will get the farrier to come first - he is very good.
Would there be heat in the foot if it was a nail bind? And how long do you have to poultice for if it is?
 
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