Lameness in an older mare

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Parisexx

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Hi guys, brought my horse in Thursday evening and she was very lame on front left. Kept pointing it and leaning back.
I was worried about laminitis so had vet out friday, no lami but he doesn't know why she is lame. Nothing in the foot, he tried hoof testers. He has put her on a course of danilon for a week to see. If no better after a week, he suggested nerve blocks.
My question is is it worth going down the whole nerve block x ray etc route for a 20 year old retired mare. I want her to be comfortable. Any ideas on the lameness
Thanks x
 
Unfortunately if shes that lame you may have no choice but to follow it up. How lame is she, is she weight bearing? Could she have been kicked? It could be an abscess brewing, even with no reaction to the testers at this point. They can be hopping with an abscess but then if she is really lame as in barely weight bearing then it could also be something much more sinister.
Good luck I really hope everythings ok.
 
She isn't as badly lame now as she is on the danilon but before she was on that she was trying not to put weight on the leg, resting it on in front of her. She's out on her own so no kick x
 
Laminitis doesnt always show up with hoof testers - my recently lost mare never responded to them despite having rotation and sinking in all 4.

Doesnt matter how old the mare is - if she is in pain, you get the vet - simples :D

In terms of investigation, sup to you - I personally spent 4 figures trying to help my pony but she was sadly pts.

I also have a 20 year old mare that was lame back in april, she was insured, so yes, investigated - she had wear and tear to her hocks, she was treated and was sound as a pound.

So my answer is always going to be yes. I guess your vet is doing a 'wait and see' to see if an abcess pops up, if not then its always worth investigating, *especially* if laminitis is suspected.
 
Wouldn't be suprised if it was an abcess brewing.

Ask your farrier to come up and have a good old look - and pop a poultice on.
 
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