Pain but not lame? (also in NL)

[Lancelot]

I have been noticing that after a hack, although not lame, the horse I ride seems a little sore in his off-fore. He was lame on this leg about 6 months ago and was given a couple of weeks off after which he was fine - completely straight.

He wears sport boots and when I remove them from the affected leg he lifts it as if to indicate it's uncomfortable.

Any ideas what may cause pain but not lameness? Would navicular?

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

Unlikely that navicular would be the issue. Navicular syndrome certainly causes lameness. TBH it's a bit of a mystery how you know the horse is sore if he isn't lame? It would have to be something that doesn't worsen with using the limb/foot. An early guess would be something like mud fever or even feather mites if he's a hairy horse. Possibly just a bump? Possibly lymphangitis but I'd expect that to be easily seen (swollen leg) and probably would cause lameness. If you can give us some idea in what way your horse is sore, it might help x