Lame?

[Lucyann89]

I've had my Highland pony for just over two and a half years now. When we first got him it was to be a companion, he was SO fat and unfit, couldn't jump and bucked everytime he cantered. Generally a real pain. After a few months of having him he lost the excess weight, learned to jump and cantered perfectly so he's a real star! But he's always had a slight 'limp' on his left hindquater. We've had the vet up and asked the farrier but they are sure he's not lame, just unfit. My farrier said it could be a 'mechanical' fault he was just born with?
Before riding, whilst riding, and after riding..his limp is the same, not looking like it causes much pain (as he happily gallops around the field, or gallops towards his dinner) but when taken on longer hacks or asked to do a lot of work his fetlock looks and feels swollen, then after a few days its 'normal' again?

He is ridden three or four times a week and for a highland pony, is not fat and is relatively fit. So what could be the problem..? And what could I do to stop/help the limp, as far as exercises, treatments or suppliments?

He gets superflex in his feeds daily and is 11years old.

Thank you!

 

[Tia]

Aww Lucy; it really could be a number of things going by your description. Sorry I'm not sure that anyone on here could really say what could be wrong as there could be so many diagnoses.

 

[Mid]

our farrier really reccomended a supplement called Devil's Relief, as my horse has a similar problem. am actually picking some up from the tack shop 2morrow!

 

[Lucyann89]

Tia:

Yeh I know, I was just hoping that maybe someone on here has/had a horse with similar conditions. Thank you though

Deadpan: Tomorrow I'll look on the internet for more info on Devil's Relief and possibly buy it tomorrow afternoon, thanks for the recommendation!

I've looked in all my horse books for things to do with him which could improve his 'condition'. A few of them say riding on hard surfaces like roads will help?
Most of them just say to improve general fitness and one also says to bathe in salt water for 10 mins a day? So I'm willing to give all of these things a bash if it'll help

 

[Tia]

You know what might be a consideration? Having the leg scanned/x-rayed. There could be some calcification going on there or it could be a joint issue. It isn't too expensive to go down this route and it really would help you with a proper diagnosis. Best of luck - I have something similar going on with one of mine and it is becoming quite tiresome now.

 

[Mistyrocks]

For the swelling ater long rides you could hose the leg down for ten minute slot which will take the swelling down, and sooth it.

 

[Happytohack]

If it is a mechanical lameness, he would not come sound with pain medication or nerve blocks. If he were mine, I would definitely have him nerveblocked and if he came sound, then xrayed. It is not a complicated or particularly expensive procedure. If he didn't come sound on nerveblocking, then you know it is a mechanical lameness and that is just the way he is. Devils Relief contains Devils Claw - a natural form of bute. If it is a mechanical lameness, it will not make any difference - so you are best to find out one way or the other. Good luck!