Reasons for a strong belly line?

Casey76

Casey76

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I've noticed over the past couple of days that Blitz has a fairly strong belly line even while not working.

He is great in himself, working really well, showing no overt symptoms of being in discomfort (and I'm pretty good at spotting subtle signs from watching Tartine)
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I'm more used to being concerned about tummies being too big, rather than the othe way round!
 
Coughing usually and trouble breathing gives strong line for some ..... Saying that though, my Clydesdales have sone more pronounced sometimes and ar in perfect health, slim going into spring ...
 
He doesn't have any cough. His temp and resps are fine, certainly no double inhalation.

Our stables are in an open barn and tend to be very draughty rather than the opposite.
 
One of mine can get like that when she's been out all night and its a bit chilly. 1 net of hay later and she's usually back to bloated.
 
The old fashioned term for this is a heave line. I've had horses with this who were at the start - and sometimes further - of serious health problems. But my daughter's main eventer will tuck up like this after a hard day's work - hunting mostly but he has come back after an ODE this way occasionally. To the extent that another livery even complained to to the YO that he was malnourished. But in fact it resolves in a couple of days. If your boy has worked hard and it resolves - leave it. It can be a sign in some of serious fitness issues - you'd know this from his history and workload. But if he is sound, fit and in regular work you might want to consult a vet.
 
My welsh cob gelding has this almost permanently all spring & summer due to breathing issues - he has a pollen allergy. He visibly looks tucked up just like that.
 
I have seen mine tuck up due to pain or coughing, my friend's old boy always tucks up when stood on concrete as his feet are sore. When my pony got gassy colic a few years ago, he was very tucked up.
 
I have one that periodically tucks up like this, especially after staying away at shows and travelling. He has hind gut issues that get worse when he travels or stays away from home. It settles down again once his guts settle down again. Other than managing the hind gut issues best I can I've not really found anything that helps
 
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