Lame horse- shall I call the vet?

[Suzie94]

Hey,
so I’m looking for an opinion on what you would do in my situation.
I got a new pony yesterday and my current mare spent most on the day showing off and cantering/ dancing around the field.
today I’ve come to her and I thought she looked a little stiff on her hind when she came over to me.
So I got her in and checked her feet, checked for swelling etc and couldn’t find anything..she was fine for me to pick it up and have a fiddle etc and didn’t show signs of pain. So I gave her a very quick lunge just to make sure and when I asked for trot on the right rein she hesitated then definitely looked lame on the back right in trot.
I have a few bute sachets left over from a visit a few weeks back and wondering if you would give her a sachet a day for a couple days or leave her for now to see if she sorts herself out.. or call the vet.
I had a huge get bill last month for something else so really can’t afford another for the vet to just say give her bute for a couple days but obviously will have to if I have to!
thanks!

 

[splashgirl45]

No one on here can give you that sort of advice. You know your horse , but the danger of giving bute means that she will keep running around and may do more damage, so the only advice I would give is dont give Bute..

 

[Patterdale]

If there’s nothing obvious I’d just give her a week and see how she gets on. I wouldn’t give bute personally as it will just mask it to her and you.

I have a lame pony in the field now. I’m 99% that it’s an abscess so he’s poulticed, but if that’s not productive of a cure he’ll just stay in the field and see how he gets on.

If there’s no heat or swelling or injuries to be seen (and providing you trust your own eyes and hands to determine that) then I definitely wouldn’t be rushing to throw money at the vet.

 

[Melody Grey]

Unless it’s non weight-bearing, I wouldn’t call the vet just yet but give two or three days and keep a watchful eye. If it worsens, call the vet. I’d also cold hose both back feet, especially if there’s heat- it’s unlikely to do harm if it’s not useful and may help to prevent worsening. Echo poster above re:not buting.

 

[meleeka]

No bute and monitor, if you are sure there’s no swelling. She’s probably just overdone it running around.