Mare suddenly become difficult to put a bridle or headcoller on

[Darcey22]

Hi there
I have a 15 year old mare that I have had for 2 years. Over the last month or so, she has suddenly become quite mardy about having a headcoller on or a bridle. She has her ears back and goes to bite. Once she has it on she is fine, but something is definately bothering her. She has had her teeth done in August this year. And I have tried various different bits?

 

[Dave's Mam]

There are still lots of bitey insects about as it's so mild. Has she got bites in her ears?

 

[Darcey22]

Hmmm, she has got very woolly ears. She doesn’t seem too perturbed about them being touched, but defo worth me having a closer look. Thanks x

 

[Boulty]

Which part does she seem to be objecting to / when does she start objecting? Putting her nose in? Putting the strap behind her ears? Doing it up? Does anyone else handle her and if so is there the possibility something has happened?

Tbh if nothing super obvious with ears or teeth that you can see / feel yourself I’d probably get vet out and explain what she’s doing.

I had one that had a weird bit of extra bone growth near his poll (found on CT scan) that was obviously causing discomfort as he’d rear if you put anything lighter than a rope halter (with poll padding) on / if you put any pressure on him. Hopefully it’s not something like that!

 

[Darcey22]

Which part does she seem to be objecting to / when does she start objecting? Putting her nose in? Putting the strap behind her ears? Doing it up? Does anyone else handle her and if so is there the possibility something has happened?

Tbh if nothing super obvious with ears or teeth that you can see / feel yourself I’d probably get vet out and explain what she’s doing.

I had one that had a weird bit of extra bone growth near his poll (found on CT scan) that was obviously causing discomfort as he’d rear if you put anything lighter than a rope halter (with poll padding) on / if you put any pressure on him. Hopefully it’s not something like that!

At the moment she seems to get narky if I just approach her with the bridle. It’s not anywhere near her. Once the bridle or headcoller are being put on she is fine.

 

[cauda equina]

My first thought was teeth or ears too
But one of mine (barefoot) was reluctant to have his bridle on after a too thorough trim; once his feet had settled down he went back to being fine
So if nothing seems to be wrong with teeth or ears I'd be looking for pain elsewhere if this continues

 

[Highmileagecob]

Might be worth having another dental checkup. My old boy now needs a check every six months or earlier, due to teeth becoming loose or falling out.

 

[fredflop]

Dental checkup under sedation from an experienced vet dentist