Lethargy in Horse

[Horses 123]

There has been a change in my horse's behavior this week and I am just wondering if it is anything to call the vet about, or if anyone has an idea of what might be going on. Up until last week my horse was eager and excited to go out for rides, always had his head over his stable door, took a keen interest in what was going on around him and was his usual happy self: this week, he has stopped looking over his stable door, been unenthusiastic under saddle, and has shown little interest in anything. Today I became especially concerned, as he didn't even turn around to greet me when I entered the stable - he just stood miserably in the corner. He didn't play with the wheelbarrow like he does every day, his eyes were half closed, his ears were flopped sideways, and I was extremely unsettled - I was hoping he would perk up, but he didn't. There have been no changes of routine or diet, no physical symptoms of illness, he is not off his food, he is getting his usual turnout (which is nearly 24 hours a day, he is only caught in the morning for a ride and then straight back out), so I am confused. I also wondered if he might be bored of the same old routine, so took him a different hacking route, but to no avail.

 

[Zuzzie]

He could have picked up a virus. Blood tests will confirm. I always end up calling the vet as the constant worry drives me nuts!

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I would ask the vet to have a look at him, unless you have introduced magnesium to his diet recently. Magnesium made my horse very lethargic.

 

[Pinkvboots]

He could just be really tired one of my horses can get a bit like that this time of year especially if his been constantly out in the field with no in time all summer, some horses don't sleep the same in the field like they do in a stable, can you keep him in for night see if he perks up? If not I think I would speak to my vet.

 

[Gloi]

I think I would check his temperature in case he has picked up a bug.
Is he changing his coat , that can bring them down a bit sometimes.
If he doesn't perk up I'd chat to the vet.

 

[Horses 123]

Thanks so much, I think I will call the vet just to get him checked out, because there's no other signs of illness I'm hoping it's nothing serious but better to be safe than sorry

 

[Carrottom]

I would definitely speak to the vet. Some will give abs without a blood test, but I would prefer blood tests first.

 

[The Irish Draft 2022]

Sometimes it’s just a there personality my mare would be happy one day and the next want nothing to do with you the next. Is your horse on a lot of grass because sometimes if they eat to much they get very sleepy and only want to sleep . I would get a vet to check just in case it’s caused by a Heath issue.

 

[lynz88]

I agree with those who have mentioned a bug/virus - I would say if not better in a few days, then maybe look at getting a vet to check it out. Mine will also get this way when he is low on vit e (so I've learned!!)

 

[Peregrine Falcon]

My old chap used to go flat when changing his coat. I had him blood tested the first autumn, nothing showed. I called the vet the following year when he did the same and they advised supplementing his food. I found Kossolian blood salts did the trick nicely. Hope you get to the bottom of your horses issue.