Puddock
Well-Known Member
Apologies for long post, trying to give all info...
I'm looking for thought/suggestions as to the probable cause. Horse is 23, very substantial (16.3hh/600kg) DWB and has arthritis in both front fetlocks. The left is a good bit worse than the right and he had a steroid/HYA injection into that joint a few weeks ago. The injection has had a really positive effect on his movement so far. He is unshod, allowing his front feet to grow in the shape they need be (i.e. a weird one) to support the joints in front. Trimming done by very well-respected remedial farrier.
Horse is usually very good about picking all his feet up and will willingly hold them at a decent height for you to pick out. On Tuesday night, I noticed that he would pick up the right hind, but was significantly less happy/holding it a good bit lower than the left. As he is generally so good about holding up feet, it was really quite noticeable. I checked for any heat/swelling and lumps or bumps over both hinds and found none. Also prodded around back and quarters etc., but no response.
I tried a good few times and it seemed to loosen off slightly as I did. I then had a lesson with my instructor, who is well-regarded and has a keen interest in physiology and rehab and asked her to look out for anything iffy in his movement behind. She was happy with him, said there wasnt anything odd visible and said that he was actually going as well as she had ever seen him! He felt fine to me, too.
Last night my sharer went up. I asked her to watch out for the foot issue and she said he was the same with her about picking up the foot. Would do it, but basically not as flexible as with the other foot. She did groundwork with him and said he was a little stiff to start with he usually is, due to the arthritis but was moving well by the end.
The only time I have ever had any issue with picking up his back feet before has been when he has had a sore/swollen sheath area due to fly bites. I know its the right time of year for that, but theres no swelling or anything visible just now and he has been going out at night only, when there are fewer flies around. I will clean it this evening (least favourite job), just in case.
Ive got the physio out anyway on Saturday morning and will discuss the issue with her, just wondering whether I should be considering the vet as well? So, what to do? Any ideas as to a likely cause? Back? Stifle? I know it seems quite minor, but its a worry to me as theres such a distinct difference to how he usually is when you pick out the foot. I hope its one of those things that disappears on its own in a few days
I'm looking for thought/suggestions as to the probable cause. Horse is 23, very substantial (16.3hh/600kg) DWB and has arthritis in both front fetlocks. The left is a good bit worse than the right and he had a steroid/HYA injection into that joint a few weeks ago. The injection has had a really positive effect on his movement so far. He is unshod, allowing his front feet to grow in the shape they need be (i.e. a weird one) to support the joints in front. Trimming done by very well-respected remedial farrier.
Horse is usually very good about picking all his feet up and will willingly hold them at a decent height for you to pick out. On Tuesday night, I noticed that he would pick up the right hind, but was significantly less happy/holding it a good bit lower than the left. As he is generally so good about holding up feet, it was really quite noticeable. I checked for any heat/swelling and lumps or bumps over both hinds and found none. Also prodded around back and quarters etc., but no response.
I tried a good few times and it seemed to loosen off slightly as I did. I then had a lesson with my instructor, who is well-regarded and has a keen interest in physiology and rehab and asked her to look out for anything iffy in his movement behind. She was happy with him, said there wasnt anything odd visible and said that he was actually going as well as she had ever seen him! He felt fine to me, too.
Last night my sharer went up. I asked her to watch out for the foot issue and she said he was the same with her about picking up the foot. Would do it, but basically not as flexible as with the other foot. She did groundwork with him and said he was a little stiff to start with he usually is, due to the arthritis but was moving well by the end.
The only time I have ever had any issue with picking up his back feet before has been when he has had a sore/swollen sheath area due to fly bites. I know its the right time of year for that, but theres no swelling or anything visible just now and he has been going out at night only, when there are fewer flies around. I will clean it this evening (least favourite job), just in case.
Ive got the physio out anyway on Saturday morning and will discuss the issue with her, just wondering whether I should be considering the vet as well? So, what to do? Any ideas as to a likely cause? Back? Stifle? I know it seems quite minor, but its a worry to me as theres such a distinct difference to how he usually is when you pick out the foot. I hope its one of those things that disappears on its own in a few days