My 17yr old has just started to drag his hind legs! Help!

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joey##merlin

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I've got a TBX gelding, he is 17yrs old, I have had him since the beginning of the year and when I bought him he was sound with no problems. I've just noticed now he has started to drag his hind legs (more so the right.) He is ridden 3-4 times a week and the other day I got back to my yard and noticed the rubbing on his hooves. I had just had a lesson and I am surprised that my instructor did not notice. I noticed also he did it in the field when I had turned him out but then when I brought him back in later that day he wasn't doing it :confused:
Today I took him out on a ride and he did not do it either but I noticed he is being lazy on his hind legs but im not inclined to believe 'lazyness' is the problem. He is due a back and saddle check, which I have booked and also the farrier next week, I would just like some other opinions??!
Thanks
 
Call the vet, you should have had their permission to book the 'back person' anyway :)

Have a good look at his feet/shoes; where is the visible wear?
 
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At seventeen it is possible that he has some arthritis going on causing stiffness, if it wears off with exercise I'd think it was likely to be this. A good joint supplement might help, and a word with the vet when he gets his annual check might be an idea, also warming up slowly helps.
 
My 21 year old started to do this and in her case was both suspensory ligament damage (vet said to retire due to this) and arthritis. I would get the vet out to check.
 
I would also suggest you get the vet. My 18 yr old TB started to do this and would also 'sway' sometimes when in the field.
He had had arthritis for some time but it eventually started to cause nerve damage in his spine and he was gradually losing feeling in and control of his back legs.
 
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