Lameness / Stifness / Help needed :)

lucille123

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16 February 2009
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Iv had my horse since may last year, and she’s always been sound, both in ridden work and trotting up, but recently she has been coming across a bit stiff when I first get her out the stable, and on her first strides of trot she is VERY lame on her left shoulder, but then after say 3 strides, she is totally fine, and sound for the rest of the ride.

Im on a busy yard, and of course everyone knows best, and some people have said that I should be seriously worried / get the vet asap, but other people are saying its probably just because shes having to be stabled 24/7 (because of the ground been flooded) and seen as she comes sound so quick, just put it down to that and dont worry about it.

There is no heat/ swelling/ or lumps and bumps however sometimes her legs do fill up a bit when shes been stables (both fores equally)

To add to the confusion said horse is a pacer, so its hard to tell if shes just confusing her legs or dropping. A friend suggested buteing her and seeing if that makes any diff

Seen as this is the first winter iv had her I dont know if she is prone to stable stiffness, so just wondering if you guys could give me some advice, on what to do

and are the people right on my yard that are saying it cant be serious if she trots it off straight away, or should I start worrying ?

Im currently trying to get a Ciro out, but they all seem to have a waiting list 10 miles long, am I going down the right route or would you be more inclined to have the vet? xx
 
presumably if the horse is a pacer she may well have an old injury or it could well be a touch of arthritis.Seeing as she trots it off quite quickly I would put it down more to stiffness but this combined with the leg swelling also sounds like it could be arthritis.Have you tried putting her on a supplement like cortaflex to see if it helps at all? I would perhaps try this route first and if there is an improvement then take it no further but if after trying that and there is no difference I would speak to your vet. A chiro may be able to offer some advice and if it is an old injury it may well make a difference but probably wouldn't if it is arthritis.
 
I would go with the stabling induced stiffness thought as well. Have you popped her on a joint suppliment at all?

My friend has just bought the most fantastic rug - which could help.

It does massage, or heat therapy (depending on the setting) etc. And could be just the ticket to revive stiff old muscels.
 
To be honest I think a starting point would be to get the vet to have a look at her. No you probably shouldnt be overly worried nor should you get the vet as soon as possible but I am not sure I would want to treat something until I knew what it was.

She could have simply pulled something and rest and medication may sort it quite simply.....

My advice is....dont panic but get the vet to take a look.
 
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