Painful?

[HorseS0S]

I wonder if someone could give any suggestions... My 20 yr old ex-racehorse, who is extremely placid and kind has been showing strange signs of soreness along his right side, especially nr his flanks. He never pulls faces and has NEVER kicked (I've had him 8yrs), but the last month he has been doing so whenever I brush along the side of his body or take off/put on his rugs. The vet said he was just being grumpy (which he's not), I've checked his ribs and cleaned his sheath. He is also on diaretics, in case its an infection, but nothing has helped... If anyone has any suggestions please let me know or e mail me philippa@horsesos.co.uk

 

[peanut]

Having had your horse 8 years, you obviously know him pretty well so I'd be inclined to get a second opinion. Maybe ask for some bloods to be done as these would indicate whether there is underlying inflammation.

Surely diuretics just make him pass fluid (anti-water retention)? They are not an antibiotic to treat infections