Pony just tucking head into chest?

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BritishEquestrian

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Hi

I have a pony who seems to be one of those injury after injury kind of ponies. The problem is we are getting to a stage where its constantly like what problem is next. Shes had a custom saddle, regular physio, 3 months of gastro guard & 3 weeks ago she had her wolf teeth out, teeth done and vet check her back etc. We had her wolf teeth out as she was really overbending and wasn't seeming to take any contact, had a full 2 weeks with no bit and now she is still doing it, more recently just wouldn't go forward and bucked (Very very unlike her, never ever done this) when I tried to squeeze her on. I was thinking it could be her ulcers but the chance of them coming back is apparently quite slim (From a top gastro specialist) & she is being fed all the right stuff and manage her etc and isn't girthy or at least not yet showing the right symptoms.

Just doesn't seem like her and definitely not nasty or anything just what seems to be a unhappy pony, wondering if its worth to have bloods took as also seemed very out of breath after just a little canter in the field. Has also been very swishy recently.

Just can't seem to pinpoint why she is suddenly going like this.. Any ideas?
 
Oh no, its never fun having a "sick note" pony.

Remember, you know her the best, if you feel somethings not right then go with your gut instinct.
 
I tend to think it's probably down to pain or discomfort, and you just haven't found out what the cause is yet. Sorry but sounds like more vet checks needed to rule this out. You could try thermal imaging which can help if you're really not sure where the problem may be, or full work up at an equine vet.
 
BritishEquestrian said:
Hi

more recently just wouldn't go forward and bucked (Very very unlike her, never ever done this) when I tried to squeeze her on. I was thinking it could be her ulcers but the chance of them coming back is apparently quite slim (From a top gastro specialist) & she is being fed all the right stuff and manage her etc and isn't girthy or at least not yet showing the right symptoms.
Click to expand...

I would be inclined to say this sounds like ulcer behaviour. It is true that on the right diet and management there is a slim chance of ulcers returning BUT that is only if the diet and management was the cause in the first instance.
A lot of the time ulcers are a knock on effect of something else causing pain and discomfort. If her wolf teeth were still causing discomfort it is highly likely the ulcers could return from the stress, even the stress of having them removed.

I have a 5yo TB who is ulcer prone and very difficult to manage as he doesn't outwardly show his stress, sometimes a situation could be incredibly stressful for him and he shows no obvious signs.
If she is insured I would consider scoping again to rule it out, if she isn't check out Abler in the USA. You can use their omeprazole products without prescription and even if you buy 1 months dose (much cheaper than GG) and see if the behaviour changes.
Best of luck with her.
 
Thank you for your replies, gave her a day off and rode her today and she was absolutely fine. I found that she was wormed on Tuesday and is very sensitive so may have had a little upset stomach or a bit colicky that day (Although not off food or anything)

Joys of sensitive warmbloods!
 
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