Horse suddenly lame

[just-me]

My horse who appeared fine yesterday is noticeably lame in trot* today (although still happily marching around in walk slightly lame)

I have checked all over his legs and cant find any marks or heat, I briefly prodded his feet but didn’t get any reaction.

He’s not in work, lives out (barefoot) and was last trimmed on Friday (farrier has since gone on holiday )

Is an abscess the most likely scenario? If he had been kicked (he’s out with my barefoot mare and fully shod gelding) would there not be a mark or heat?

Last time I called the vet to drain an abscess it cost £100! so don't want to call them again if i can avoid it

* Its his nsf leg it that makes any difference

Thanks

 

[muff747]

Sudden lameness without any heat or swelling is probably an abcess or bruised sole? Could he have been galloping about?

 

[just-me]

Ok, thanks. He could have been galloping about but generally he will stand and watch rather than join in.

 

[Miss L Toe]

I don't suppose you have hoof testers!!! maybe another farrier would do it for you.

 

[just-me]

No unfortunately i don't. My farriers apprentice is coming today so will get him to have a look but he seems alot better which is odd as i thought he would of got worse if it were an abscess??

 

[Miss L Toe]

I would be looking for heat, obviously, if not lame or any symptoms, could you give him a bit of light work before farrier comes with maybe slow uncollected trot on a road looking for nodding, then check for heat ten mins after he has finished.
I hate these sort of things because you don't know what to do for the best, just make sure you don't overwork him for two weeks, cold hose legs for ten mins before work, and check for heat after work, be wary of using bandages when schooling as they can heat the tendons, but there are some special ones which allow you to support without heat.

 

[Dancing Queen]

how long did you go between trims?

 

[cc14]

how long did you go between trims?

Also, was it quite a rigorous trim? Mine decided to go lame for about 5 days after the farrier because his feet needed to be trimmed as well as shoes going on...farrier suspected they hadnt been trimmed in a while as feet were too big for him, so was probs just sore underfoot...described it as if we cut our toenails too short so they become a bit tender, then wearing really tight high heels!

 

[just-me]

The apprentice tested him with hoof testers and said he reacted slightly near his toe but he is now very nearly sound, maybe 1/10 lame. He gets trimmed every 6 weeks and the farrier said he left a little bit more on than he would with my mare (who's been barefoot since she was retired 10 years ago so has feet like iron!) He was trimmed on Friday and was sound until Tuesday so I don't think the trim has caused the problem. He's not in work and i still can't find any heat. There are literally no stones in his field so if he has bruised his foot im not sure how?