Lame pony - keep in or out?

[Vjay]

Hi there,

My girls new pony has gone lame on her front leg. Nothing too bad but noticable when I trotted her up yesterday. She went out in the field for the first time Monday after being in all weekend for worming (although she was ridden down the lanes fine Sat and Sun - with farmers permission). The girls then rode her Tuesday and when she went to trot she was a bit lame. I assumed it may be due to the ground being a bit stoney and her not being that used to it (she's not shod and had her feet trimmed a week ago). Anyway turned her back out and when got her in tonight she's still lame and more hesitant to trot and "picks" her way across the yard where it's stoney although she doesn't look lame in a walk. Now the field she's in has 3 other horses 2 of which are still a bit ears back and run at her but nothing else. The field is quite uneven but it's only temporary until they move to their big field in a few weeks time. Should I leave her out (I had horses last 8 years ago and I remember the yard I was on the owner was an old huntsmaster and if their horse had pulled a tendon etc they always said it was better to leave them out - not saying that this is what has happened it's just something I remember), also if i leave her out and she keeps getting chased could it make it worse? Or do I bring her in - would this make it worse when I put her back out again though as she's only be in the field with the others 2 days.

Sorry to rabbit on , I'm just not quite sure which is the best way to go.

Thanks

VJx

 

[Meowy Catkin]

So the lameness has got worse?

If there's no heat/swelling/cut on the leg, then it could be an abscess.

On a side note. Please be careful and watch her for any signs of laminitis, especially if she's going to be turned out on to unresticed lush grazing soon.

 

[DuckToller]

Laminitis also crossed my mind. How old is the pony and what is her body condition - is it fit, or fat? How much grass do you have?

A recent trim and a stoney path could have caused a little soreness, but equally could be early signs of lami.

 

[Vjay]

She's fit and healthy and not fat. She's a sec B fine boned aged 7. The stables about 1/2 mile away where at was before - the grazing was poor the grass is ok here but where she came from before on 24/7 turnout was quite lush. This is the first pony i've had so am not overly familar with laminitus but have been on yards where ponies have had it. Best get googling am thinking i may bring her in now.

Thanks

Vjx