Horse seems a bit 'off'

C

chestnuttyy

Well-Known Member
Joined
30 November 2011
Messages
557
Visit site
For a couple of weeks I've noticed my gelding seems a bit off. He's got that 'sad' expression about him and has turned into a lazy heffalump to ride. He's a TB and normally has a bit of sparkle but he just doesn't want to do anything much.

He's also turned into an absolute greedy gannet and food seems to be the only thing he's interested in!

I'm possibly being paranoid but there just seems something not quite right. Would you ask the vet to check him over? Give him something like pink powder?

Sorry if I seem paranoid!!
 
I would at least ring the vet, and ask for their advice. recently a friend of mine ignored her horse being a bit off and decided to give him a few days off- two weeks later horse hadn't improved so she got the vet out. horse had had heart failure, he had treatment but it came back, and good bye horsey :(
 
Does he need clipping?

They can get a bit meigh at this time of year with the winter rolling in. My girl goes from a sloth back to a whizzy girl after her first clip(which will be tomorrow).
 
I'd get bloods done. Could be anything. I've had this twice with my gelding, first time it was his liver packing up, second time it was low white and red blood cell count. It's not worth the risk of hoping he improves. It could be nothing but it could be something.
 
He's getting clipped tomorrow or Sunday... He's a little bit hairy but not massively. Might give the vet a call tomorrow and see what she thinks
 
Elvis said:
I'd get bloods done. Could be anything. I've had this twice with my gelding, first time it was his liver packing up, second time it was low white and red blood cell count. It's not worth the risk of hoping he improves. It could be nothing but it could be something.
Click to expand...

I wondered about the liver... Will defo call the vet tomorrow I'd never forgve myself if I left it and it was something serious
 
My tb always gets a bit flat at this time of the year, when his coat changes, he was very lazy for about two weeks but seems to be back to his old self now. (he's also been clipped out)

I agree call the vet, but it could be (and hopefully is) just the time of year :)
 
The only thing I'd say is that ususally a liver thing is associated with a decreased appetite, not an increased appetite like your boy. Still a possibility, but I'd be more inclined to think it might be red/white blood cell count, especially at this time of year. My boy is going through it at the moment and the vet said that when a horse changes it's coat it uses a lot of energy, nutrients etc so any underlying problems often come to head.
 
How long have you had the lad? How old is he? Was he like this last autumn/winter? My old wee fella (20yo Welsh D) goes a little quiet and very hungry at this time of year as his coat is coming through and he will eat and eat, and eat as though the foods going out of fashion. An extra layer has helped him out (21 degrees two days ago - now arctic blast and down to 12 today daytime) he was a lot happier tonight on our walk to the field (in a fleece and LW) :)
 
RainbowDash said:
How long have you had the lad? How old is he? Was he like this last autumn/winter? My old wee fella (20yo Welsh D) goes a little quiet and very hungry at this time of year as his coat is coming through and he will eat and eat, and eat as though the foods going out of fashion. An extra layer has helped him out (21 degrees two days ago - now arctic blast and down to 12 today daytime) he was a lot happier tonight on our walk to the field (in a fleece and LW) :)
Click to expand...

He's only 8. We're coming into winter #3 as a duo. First year he actually had a horrible skin condition that began this time of year (leukocytoclastic Vasculitis), second year I don't remember anything extraordinary but I do know I had him on pink powder coming into winter. Going to pick up some pink powder tomorrow and I'll call the vet for advice too, hopefully it is just pre-winter changes.
Oh and he's rugged up already too... Medium weight has come out as of yesterday!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top