possible back problem

[hannah87]

my ID / TB is has always benn v difficult on the flat, particularly on his left rein - very hard to get him to bend, lower his head etc hes very wonky! it occured to me that maybe he has a back problem - he alwys carries his tail to one side , never straight, dislikes u getting on him bareback - i mean the actual mounting process as i think it puts pressure on certain points in his bk perhaps? and i was running my hands down his spine other day and at one point he seemed to flinch at the same point, any ideas?

 

[AmyMay]

Have you had the vet or a good physio to look at him?

 

[hannah87]

no am considering getting the vet- do you think its a good idea

 

[kizzywiz]

Yes, absolutely, would probably go direct to the physio.

 

[Magicmillbrook]

The symptoms you describe are all classic bad back - best get the vet or physio to be safe, the physio will need permission from your vet before they treat anyway. This is just a formality. I cant imagine any vet declining.

 

[K27]

I'd definately get a good physio out- they will be able to check him (esp his hind end and neck, poll) over fully and treat where necessary. The ACPAT website has a list of physio's in your area.

You could also try carrot stretches to check whether he is def stiffer one side than the other.

I would try to find out the cause of the problem though so that it hopefully doesn't happen again- he may have just put something out- has his feet, teeth and tack also been checked?...

 

[hannah87]

his teeth, tack etc are all fine, i do carrot strtches with him tevery day anyway to try and supple him up and does these same both sides. but he is absolutely fine to tack up, jump, and after about 15 - 20 mins scholling will start to give on left rein, the vet is coming to give jabs soon so think will get him to check his bak just to be sure

 

[GinaGem]

I agree i would get the vet to check it and then recommend a physio/chiropracter as required. Sounds like similar symptoms my mare had and she had to have treatments on both her back and neck. xxx