:-( lame, opinions please

smellsofhorse

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My warmblood gelding is lame in his near fore.
Only slightly but worse after turned in tight circle and after I held up his leg for about 30 seconds.

He is about 16 has evented.
So expecting normal stiffness.
All his legs swell easily after exercise, windgalls come up and legs fill after being stabled.
He is generally happy and healthy.

He did fracture his splint in this leg about 4 years ago but recovered with quickly, vet was worried initially about a bone chip coming away but it knitted back ok.

Last few month he seems to stumble when.walking, has a shirt stride for his size, 17.2hh and slow downhill.

There is no real heat or swelling.

Have spoken to vet.
He has given me instructions and he is booked in for investigations.

But what do you think?
 
Try not to panic :) Even if you do get a diagnosis in the navicular spectrum it's far from a death sentence these days. Have a look at rockleyfarm.co.uk tonight so that you can discuss rehabilitation options with your vet tomorrow, just in case. Let us know what diagnosis you get and those of us with experience with a horse like him will try and help.
 
Not sure myself what it could be so no advice there I'm afraid but just to say, as above, please try not to panic.
Before Christmas '10 my part loan girl (she's 17) was diagnosed with pedal bone rotation - to many people, in a horse of her age (although she doesn't act it!) almost a death sentence and we were heartbroken. In time, she was diagnosed with Cushings and understandably we were absolutely torn.

However, to see her now you wouldn't believe there is anything wrong with her and very slowly she is making progress and has surprised both the vet and the farrier; vets nowadays are very quick to diagnose the worst case scenario (our vet admitted this; he told us our girl had 3 weeks to improve or PTS at Christmas!) to cover their own backs.
I hope they find out what's wrong with your boy asap - I know the 'not knowing' is the worst part! - then you can start to treat.
K x
 
I think in your shoes, knowing which practice you are likely to use, I would be VERY fussy about whom I allowed to do diagnostics on my horse.

Tendons usually accompanied by heat and swelling - could be something as simple as an abscess or a bruised sole - lot of the latter about due to the ground. Could have been kicked higher up, could be something really easily solved. Don't get yourself into a stew about it - until the vet has had a look and done some diagnostics, you can imagine all kinds of horrors!!
 
Kellysheros
Thanks, I will try not to panic and yes the waiting is the worse bit!

Spottedcat
I have used this vet clinic for years and know the team well I trust them all to do the right thing.
 
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