Muscle strain in shoulder

[Charlie2020]

Muscle strain that is causing lameness. Please advise on rehab to a potential shoulder strain on my horse. Box rest for 6 weeks and arnica 200c

 

[Goldenstar]

The horse has been in the stable for six weeks and having arnica for a possible muscle strain is that correct?

 

[Charlie2020]

No just started box rest and arnica. It is not a definitive diagnosis but nerve blocks didn't help nor did spine, knee shoulder xrays show anything.

 

[be positive]

The horse has been in the stable for six weeks and having arnica for a possible muscle strain is that correct?

That seems a very odd way to treat any muscle strain, I have suspected shoulder strains in the past but they have always been something else, straining the shoulder muscle is a very unusual occurrence and I certainly wouldn't be box resting for 6 weeks without a definitive diagnosis and box resting a muscle injury seems counter intuitive to me, most respond to movement, possibly restricted if they are the type to mess around too much.

Just seen your latest post, I would get a physio in to take a look, they tend to be better at picking up genuine muscle injuries and will probably give better treatment than the average vet.

 

[Charlie2020]

Thank you. A travelling chiropractor is due a week on Sunday. So have booked the horse in. Soft ground made the horse worse and as he tends to lark around in the paddock, confinement was the advice given.

 

[Goldenstar]

It’s not a job for a chiropractor the horse needs a assessment from ACPAT registered physio and it should be one that is recommended by the vet .
Many things can be done for serious muscles tears , therapeutic ultra sound and lasers therapy for a start .
It’s beyond biazzre that a vet would recommend six weeks box rest for a muscle issue without diagnostic soft tissue scanning and without the horse getting anti inflammatory medication .

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

We had a Welsh Section A who pulled a shoulder muscle many, many years ago. We knew exactly what happened we saw her fall over a bucket of water (!). Vet prescribed 3 weeks box rest and I expect she was given bute but can't remember. She was not a good patient, we were all thankful when we got to the end of the 3 weeks with no further injury to either pony or person. She liked to stand with her front feet on the door top! However, she was fine and sound for the rest of her life, which was several more years.

 

[southerncomfort]

I had one that strained all the ligaments in her shoulder. She was very sore and had lots of painkillers.

Vet did not advise box rest but suggested turnout on her own in a small paddock.

ETA i think small paddock turnout was recommended in her case as she had arthritis and box rest might have made her more sore.

 

[QueenT]

Our pony just did the same thing, no idea how, fooling around most likely. Over 5-6 days she was gradually more and more lame on both front legs, starting with “blink and you’ll miss it” to barely walking! (Not ridden of course, but turned out and monitored) That day, I seriously thought she might have laminitis, so emergency call to vet - turns out she had a muscle lock in the neck! (The big muscle above the shoulder that brings the leg forward, forgot the name). Treatment for us is antiinflammatory medication, turnout, relaxed long-rein 30 mind walks and chiro (who is also a vet herself). So much better already the day after