rubbing hocks together

[dilbert]

This is possibly a very daft question!

Frankie likes to itch his legs by rubbing his back hocks together - it doesn't look comfy and often results in him leaving his back legs in slightly wierd positions for short periods of time. My main concern is that it's not going to help with his back end muscular problems (tightness in glutes/hamstring/lower back)

Is this something I should be concerned about and if so what could I do to help?

 

[tangoharvey]

does he have feathers? Sonds like it could be mites? My mare had this and the vet came and gave her injections and she doesnt do it now...just a thought...

 

[bexwarren24]

I would also say that it sounds like mites. Does he stamp his feet alot too?

 

[**Vanner**]

As above!

If he's got feathers i would put it down to mites

 

[ThePony]

oh mare doesn't itch them like you say, but does have itchy hocks and will turn her bum on you for you to scratch them. She also suffers with back probs and tight hamstrings - her request for itchies get more frequent when due a back lady visit, and i would assume when her hamstrings are tighter.
Obv mites a likely culprit though if he is feathered!

 

[dilbert]

yup very feathery!

he doesn't stamp but does nibble his feathers sometimes too.

Are the injections ok for lammi prone horses?

 

[**Vanner**]

Just ask your vet. Dectomax are a wormer too so although expensive they do give 3 months wormer protection. They need two within 14 days of each other.

 

[bexwarren24]

Yeah, dectomax is the best licensed thing for mites on horses, dont bother with frontline (i've always found it a waste of time).

I'm probably going to get slapped for this but I give my horse coopers spot on, its a pour on for cattle/sheep/chickens. Its not licensed for horses and you need a holding number to get it but its brilliant. Its similar to the dectomax injection but 20 applications cost £40. Hell of alot cheaper than injections and the bonus is after 2yrs of using it on him he is still alive. Hurray!!