Horse really tucked up and don't know why!

L

LucindaGrey

Member
Joined
23 January 2015
Messages
13
Visit site
Hi! I'm a new poster on the forum but its been my horsey bible for years so thought I would finally register to ask about my horses random tucking up problem...
On and off since i've had my horse Lucy (about a year and a 1/2) shes been getting really tucked up - not sure of the proper terminology but she just seems to suck herself in so her hind quarters become really hollow and her flanks and shoulders quiver.
I've searched the forums high and low but cant seem to find what could be causing it as there seems to be no pattern to when she does it... Its not the cold as she does it in summer, or dehydration as shes drinking plenty and getting enough food (she lives out but gets 2 hard feeds and hays a day). I thought it could be muscle fatigue but shes done it when I get her in from the field after doing nothing all day, the only other thing I could think of was stress/nervousness as she commonly does it waiting to load or compete but there are also many times when this wouldn't explain it!
I've put off asking for so long as in every other way shes completely fine but its started being more frequent... I noticed she was like it tonight just in the middle of a schooling session! Even while shes tucked up at competitions she can then go in the ring and produce a lovely clear round - it doesn't effect her work at all and I only notice if I see it - (she was quite tucked up last weekend but still one the 1m sjing!).
I have asked all my horsey family and friends and everyones baffled so would really appreciate it if anyone had any idea what it could be!
Sorry for the essay and hope i made some sort of sense :')
 
hi- i am new too! I had the exact same problem but it was only the weeks after hunting!... it turned out he was dehydrated. Luckily its doesn't sound like its effecting her! As you say shes drinking plenty but just to rule it out try doing the 'pinch test' and maybe feed electrolytes in her feed after strenuous exercise. Otherwise I am stumped and I hope you get an answer soon... good luck!!
 
thank you, I had come across that in my googling but discounted it as she seemed to be in no pain and wasn't reluctant to move, but doing some more research it does sound similar so maybe its just a mild form...? x
 
I wouldn't count out dehydration or tying up. Do you feed electrolytes?

Maybe time to ask your vet to run some tests. Urine and bloods.
 
Symptoms (esp muscle 'quiver') make me think of EPSM/PSSM/HYPP - just looking into this myself so can't help on detail, but might be worth a google?
 
Mine does it when stressed (1/3 field buddies being removed for an hour etc) usually fine once situation is resolved ..
 
wouldnt necessarily explain the muscle quiver unless it is nervousness/tension/excitement but ive seen horses very tucked up and dipping at the flank when they have suffered with hind gut ulcers. noticeable different after a course of egusin/ritetrac/suceed depending on the horse.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top