How long to rest a lame horse?

[L&M]

One of our horses came up lame a couple of days ago - it is the near fore and the lamness is mild. It does not show at walk unless the horse is turned tightly, but is apparent in trot on concrete. There are no obvious signs such as a wound, heat or swelling and he is weight bearing happily.

My farrier came to have a look today and although doesn't 100% discount the hoof, could not get a reaction to testers and found no sign of any abscess, bruise or corn.

The horse is of a quiet nature in the field, but gets stressed on box rest, so the plan is to give him a weeks field rest, then reassess. Do you think this is appropriate, or long enough, or should I be getting the vet immediately? I do have some bute but am wary of it masking any pain. He is insured for vets bills.

So really a bit of 'what would you do?' - I hate mild lamness as never know what to do for the best!

 

[mightymammoth]

If it was me I would probably do as you plan to do.

 

[Charlie007]

My boy had mild lameness this week but due to his history I called the vet. In your case I would probably do as your doing unless you notice it getting worse.

 

[PorkChop]

I would turn out, like you plan and reassess, and as soon as sound start ridden walking. If it is as mild as you say then I would not be calling the Vet or giving him bute. If in two weeks he is still slightly lame then I would start with the farrier and then move onto the Vet.

 

[stilltrying]

I think i'd give it 2 weeks and after that give in and call the vet. Having a horse that has been very good at self harming over the years i am reluctant to call vet out for every single issue.

a few winters ago he had a huge knee, wasn't lame, but knee was huge, with no sign of injury. I waited it out, but after a week or two the knee was still huge. 2 vet visits, 1 x fluid sample, 1 x sedation (so that knee could be clipped for injection - hates clippers), and a £700 bill later, i was told that the knee was swollen as he'd probably knocked it and would go down in its own time! Which it did...

 

[Exploding Chestnuts]

I think i'd give it 2 weeks and after that give in and call the vet. Having a horse that has been very good at self harming over the years i am reluctant to call vet out for every single issue.

a few winters ago he had a huge knee, wasn't lame, but knee was huge, with no sign of injury. I waited it out, but after a week or two the knee was still huge. 2 vet visits, 1 x fluid sample, 1 x sedation (so that knee could be clipped for injection - hates clippers), and a £700 bill later, i was told that the knee was swollen as he'd probably knocked it and would go down in its own time! Which it did...

omg