Low red blood cell and high muscle enzymes after fall.

[flaxen]

2.5 weeks ago I took my pony to my friends so I could go hacking with them for some fun, canter work and company as at home I can only had by myself and its all roadwork other than grass verges so my canter work is limited. All was going great and pony and I were having a great time and even managing to almost keep up with friends horses ( they're eventers mines a section c ) until we came across a concealed ditch/ hole and my pony put his front leg/ legs down it, resulting in quite a spectacular fall for both of us, he even ended up with soil in his ears and I ended up in a&e.

He hasn't been his usual self since and been extra stressed and although I'm unable to ride due to the injury I received in the fall I knew he wasn't right. Hes trotted up lame behind on both hinds and on his bloods its showing he has a low red blood cell count and high muscle enzyme levels. He was very fit prior to the fall doing 10 miles every time exercised, 4 days one week 6 days the next including doing show jumping, hunter trials and ode.

Hes already been off work for 2.5 weeks and is to have no exercise other than walk in hand and being re examined and re blood tested again in 2 weeks and if no improvement is being referred. Hes has no visible injuries other than a graze on his chest.

Has any one else had results like this or could give me an idea of what they could mean? Hes a super pony has done wonders for my confidence and I'm now really worried about him. Thanks.

 

[Goldenstar]

I think it's likely that your horse has suffered some muscle damage in the fall.
The vet should advise you , but I would be looking at involving an ACPAT trained physio.

 

[be positive]

I think it's likely that your horse has suffered some muscle damage in the fall.
The vet should advise you , but I would be looking at involving an ACPAT trained physio.

That sounds like a serious fall, he probably got battered and bruised pretty much all over, a muscle strain or more general stiffness will be helped by a good physio, they are usually more experienced in this type of situation than a vet, I would get a referral to a physio and if they are unable to get the pony responding to treatment they will then refer back to the vet.
2 weeks is not that long to recover from such a crashing fall, mooching about in a field should help stop him getting too stiff but it could take a bit longer before he gets back to normal, hope you both feel better soon.

 

[flaxen]

Hes turned out during the day and stabled at night though he doesn't really move about much, hes usually a very chilled out chap ( other than refusing to wee inside and box walking as a result ) but does seem stressed and due to the injury I received in the fall had to spend a couple of days at friends farm and despite being out and having much more grass than hes used to ( got him in may and was severely obese so been on strict diet and has lost over 100kg and 12" off his girth ) he was very stressed and didn't settle and just paced the fence line and didn't eat much.

 

[Maesfen]

I agree about the muscle damage but could the stressiness be also because he's still 'excited' about the exciting work you were doing with friends rather than on your own? Similar to horses after their first day hunting, some of them think they are hearing hounds again for weeks and react accordingly. You were doing something 'exciting' when it happened, it wouldn't be a surprise to find he's still dreaming about it too.

 

[Chocy]

I had similar fall with horse about 4 months ago. Walking horse along a beach path the ground gave way under 1 foot & we both fell.
He seemed 'fine' gave him few days off & some danilon but after couple weeks I knew he wasn't right. Physio out & basically he was twisted, stiff & in pain from ears to tail. Physio felt was from impact of hitting ground hard & twisting to try stay upright that had done the damage. Took a few sessions to get him better then gradual return to work.

So I'd definitely recommend you get physio to him. Could the fizziness be because hes sore & can't relax properly?