Problematic behaviour and head turning

[Kimperkins500]

I have a PRE who has always been a bit hot. The last 8 weeks or so her behaviour under saddle has changed drastically, she backs up ears pinned back and jumps up on her back legs, not full rearing , but you get me!

she was also biting to her right side.

i treated her for ulcers initially but no change after 5 weeks, but analysing videos I have noticed when she is ridding on her left rein she always has her head turned out, and flings her head that way when she plants herself and walks backwards refusing to go forward.
I often free school and lunge her, I noticed the other day she was doing it too.

she is not obviously lame to the eye etc. she’s had teeth done, has regular physio and saddle checked regularly.

it’s a mystery to me; I let go, I literally give her her whole head when she does what she does and it makes no difference so needless to say I don’t ride her as it’s definitely pain related. I have the vet out tomorrow and it’s likely she will go into the clinic for investigations but I just wondered is anyone had any experience , can throw some possibilities at me?

 

[Flowerofthefen]

I would say hind end psd. Some dont present as lame and there is nothing obvious to see ie swelling or heat.

 

[Kimperkins500]

How easily diagnosed is it as I know you can just fall down a rabbit hole of tests etc. if I throw a few suggestions at the vet it will give us a starting point. She had a minor accident a couple of months ago ultrasounds and X-rays of the front Legs showed no injuries or abnormalities so it is most likely the back end.

 

[shortstuff99]

Was she scoped for ulcers and medically treated?

 

[Flowerofthefen]

How easily diagnosed is it as I know you can just fall down a rabbit hole of tests etc. if I throw a few suggestions at the vet it will give us a starting point. She had a minor accident a couple of months ago ultrasounds and X-rays of the front Legs showed no injuries or abnormalities so it is most likely the back end.

Scans of back legs should show problem. My young exracer had it. He initially wasn't lame but did the head thing you mention. Scans revealed hind psd in both hinds. We rehabbed then rescanned , unfortunately he was too far gone, but he was raced so young, so a different kettle of fish. It is treatable if thats what it is x

 

[ycbm]

I would x ray the neck if the hind end scans show nothing. In fact I'd probably start with the neck.
.

 

[Goldenstar]

I think the horse is showing a pain reaction and going into the vets for a problems with performance type work up is the right thing to do .
If you have video of the horse showing behaviour be sure that the vet gets to see it .

It could be so many things and several things could be wrong with her PSD a would be one of my top choices .
Ulcers are secondary IME to pain elsewhere in all the cases I have seen .

 

[Kimperkins500]

I have videos thankfully, not at her worst by any means but displaying the behaviour and I have lots of lunging videos of her and I’m happy to lunge her if need be. I guess without the full MOT we won’t know. But I think it very much sounds like PSD so not feeling very hopeful.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

I have videos thankfully, not at her worst by any means but displaying the behaviour and I have lots of lunging videos of her and I’m happy to lunge her if need be. I guess without the full MOT we won’t know. But I think it very much sounds like PSD so not feeling very hopeful.

If it is PSD they can come back from it with rehab so don't loose hope. Good luck x

 

[Kimperkins500]

The vet did his assessment today and she goes off next week. He mentioned ocd? I’ve had a Google and fell down a hole! .. he is a Spanish vet ironically and has see many Spanish horses and says it can be quite common. Any one got experience, good? Bad? Ugly?

 

[Goldenstar]

That’s really bad news . I am really sorry to hear that .
Stifle issues of any type are difficult to manage .