My other poorly horse. (Post op KS retiree)

[Wagtail]

Not having much luck with my horses at the moment. Both are retired early. But my boy who had a KS op almost two years ago to remove five spinal processes is just not himself. I wouldn't say he was ill, as he is eating well, is interested in things, but he just is not his usual mad self since coming in for the winter. Last year, he would literally bounce out of his stable and jump around on the end of his lead rope like a playful puppy. When turned out he would go mad bucking, spinning and rearing. Having a really good time. Now he just plods out of his stable and walks slowly around his turnout paddock. I retired him from ridden work because the operation did not cure him of his explosive behaviour under saddle. But his back looks a lot lumpier and pointed than it did. I am wondering whether it is possible post operatively, if they are not in work, that severe arthritis could set in? I have booked the vet to come next Monday. They are chockerblock until then, and he is not an emergency.

I guess I could try him on bute and see if that makes a difference. But really, was just after opinions on whether such radical surgery could end up crippling a horse further down the line? Obviously, if it is found to be his back then he will be PTS. No point in putting him through any more hospital treatment. He's really been through the mill

 

[Maesfen]

I would imagine any operation has the ability to put up arthritic changes TBH.

It might just be that he has got into his routine of being a layabout or it could be because he is saving himself from further hurt - if it does hurt him.
It could be that he's thoroughly miserable with the life he's leading now compared to when he was in work. Contrary to a lot of opinion, there are a lot of horses that retirement from work just does not suit and he could be one of them now he has accepted that life will not get any better for him. It's not the fact his welfare needs aren't met because I know they are but he just might not be a retirement candidate and there's not a lot you can do about that. For me, quality of life comes before all else.

 

[Wagtail]

I would imagine any operation has the ability to put up arthritic changes TBH.

It might just be that he has got into his routine of being a layabout or it could be because he is saving himself from further hurt - if it does hurt him.
It could be that he's thoroughly miserable with the life he's leading now compared to when he was in work. Contrary to a lot of opinion, there are a lot of horses that retirement from work just does not suit and he could be one of them now he has accepted that life will not get any better for him. It's not the fact his welfare needs aren't met because I know they are but he just might not be a retirement candidate and there's not a lot you can do about that. For me, quality of life comes before all else.

Thanks.

He has been retired now really for two years. In the 3 and a half years I have owned him, I have probably ridden him 20 times. Obviously, not the best buy I have made! He has always been thoroughly cheerful when not ridden. Maybe though, he has realised that the winter routine is only three hours a day turn out and he is possibly depressed. As am I TBH. The fields are all too wet and it happened all of a sudden. We have gone from 24/7 turnout to 3 hours a day turnout in the sand. Not much of a life if that is all they have if they are retired. However, the past three winters, he has been really lively and cheerful. The past two of them, he has been out of work, so it really is not like him. He does love his stable and is the first to want to come in when it starts to get wet or cold. It's just so weird.

 

[AmyMay]

Does he have a temperature?

 

[Wagtail]

No. His temperature is normal. He seems slightly brighter today. Most people seeing him would just think he's a beautifully behaved, well mannered horse. He is no trouble. Very easy to do. But that just isn't him. He is bouncy and scatty. And anyone watching would think he was a real handful and naughty. But he isn't, he's just happy and playful. He is always very careful that you don't get bumped or trodden on.

 

[Maesfen]

I wonder if it's just the very quick changeover of routine that's thrown him rather than a steady and slow decrease in turnout that would normally happen? It must be very hard to adapt that quickly without warning.

 

[Wagtail]

I wonder if it's just the very quick changeover of routine that's thrown him rather than a steady and slow decrease in turnout that would normally happen? It must be very hard to adapt that quickly without warning.

Yes. It could be. His hind legs are really filled. He does get that in the winter, but it seems worse this time. Normally they would start coming in at night but still be getting 8 - 10 hours turnout, before the paddocks got too wet and muddy. This year they were enjoying an unseasonable mild and dry start to October when WHAM into the stables and getting turnout in shifts in the sand paddock. It's certainly been a shock to my system too!