Odd leg movement

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OldBiddy

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Our TB has a really odd leg movement which we have just noticed.

I was walking behind him, being led, and noticed in walk his right hind sort of 'crabs' in a diagonal motion so he is almost cross legged (the leg goes inwards and meets the opposite front, if that makes sense) almost like a sideways walk.

Probably not explaining it very well, bit it is hard to describe!
He isn't lame and trot is normal.

Is it maybe a balance issue? Farrier due Jan (middle of) so will get him to check, but wondered if anyone had other ideas?

Not had him long, and hadn't noticed this before now.

Thanks
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It sounds like he may be 'plaiting'! I once worked with a horse who did this, the owner had a chiropractor out on a regular basis to him and it improved dramatically!
 
yes i would also suggest a Chiro. My young mare has developed a stiff looking movement with her off hind. Had a lameness work up and nothing conclusive so im working with a chiro. Seems a few things are out of line includidng the pelvis. Hoping things will soon start to become normal again. Let us know how you go on !
 
That limb movement is a characteristic sign of hock spavin. I would do hock flexion tests on him and see if he is sound.
 
Ive had two horses with pelvic injuries which caused very strange leg movements, agree with having his back/pelvis checked. My first horse nothing could be done but the second with regular treatment its stopped completely
 
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Feeling very gloomy now!

What treatment did yours have summer?

We are going to do flexion test tomorrow, then book the chiro and if need be, get the vet out for a look and advice.
Was hoping for a horse that could do more than just hack, something to compete on, but if he does have spavins then I am guessing he wont have much of a career? Or am I being too pessimistic?
 
Oh dear, do try not to worry too much. I should have written more, sorry. I've had two with spavin. One had to retire from eventing but is currently completely sound with fused joints, winning dressage competitions and could jump again if his current owner wanted to. The other is out in my stable now, eating in between hunting, hacking and working at advanced medium dressage. The only thing we noticed about him was that peculiar limb flight that you describe. He has never been lame, but he has some spectacular bony growths! A friend had another and she also fused and came sound after a while. It can take time, but if you are not affiliated, you can compete on bute/danilon while the fusion is happening if he is lame without it. Work actually creates a cure if you can manage it, because it helps the joints to fuse.


Good luck with it, let us know how you get on.
 
Thanks cpt.
He isn't lame, but this crab walk is only just noticeable, so perhaps he may err towards lameness later.
Haven't had him long, so not done anything with him yet (ex racer) just been schooled/retrained for jumping.
Due to the bad weather and having only a field, he hasn't been worked much of late and has lost his topline, so we are working on that just now, seems to be all happening at once!
 
Hi there summer i hope you dont mind i have pm you! I dont want to hijack this post, i noticed we have both had horses with pelvic problems with odd leg movements i just wonder if you would be kind enough for your thoughts on my mare.

Many thanks
 
OP, I had Hannah Haskew out to him, she does a mix of Mctimony, sports massage etc. He is a bit weaker one side than the other so needs to be built up on that side (hes on box rest for another accident at the minute so I expect all the hard work weve done will need redoing)

Hes now seen a couple of times a year, or maybe even once now, just gets the once over , I t hink it was probably a fairly mild case although his leg action behind was bizarre

It sounds like you are going down the right path .
 
thanks again
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Obviously, we will do what is necessary to get him right, if he is wonky (just a beggar straight after Christmas!)

The joys of horses eh?
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That's really interesting, had a quick look at JB website and will read it properly later.


This year has been very expensive regarding vets etc, hoping that 2010 is easier!
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