My horse appears tucked up for no reason. WWYD?

[Morgan123]

My horse has been appearing slightly tucked up for around a month or so - on and off, and not REALLY bad or anything you'd worry about (hence not having done anything about it), but just noticeable if you know him.

He isn't under any stress, there have been no field moves or antyhign that would be worrying him. He's not worried about his work, and he isn't cold - he's an unclipped Welsh sec D with a good coat and is also being rugged when needed. There's enough grass and he has hay when he comes in and happy hoof - all foraged based. Seems unlikely to be ulcers.

what would you do?! Do anything or just see if it changes?! what are the possible causes? Just about to worm him.....

 

[Exploding Chestnuts]

Before worming, let think about his past worming, did he get done with the correct wormer in Oct/Nov [encysted redworm].
Have you sent away a poop sample and done a saliva test first, best know what you are dealing with before you start.
Westgate labs will advise, other give advice, but they are really good.

 

[Pigeon]

Urgh, could be so many things.

Azoturia is one to look out for. As Bonkers2 said, possibly a worm burden? I would get his back looked at as a first step, and possibly hocks - they do stand awkwardly (bum tucked under) when their hocks bother them.

 

[ester]

any other indicators of pain?

 

[Palindrome]

I was going to see try worming because it's the time of year for encysted to come out. Otherwise he is drinking enough?

 

[Ruth17]

Mine is similar - also section D. He drinks enough, no changes in turnout since autumn and is condition score 2 but is looking tucked up, no other signs or symptoms of pain etc. I have just wormed him with pramox blue&gold and hoping that with the new grass coming through will sort things.

 

[Floxie]

Has his weight changed at all?