Short stride in the hind limb

[GrecianDawn]

Due to lockdown I turned my horse out for 6 months, and recently brought him back to work. He is short strided in the right hind limb. It is obvious in walk and trot, but not in trot all the time. By watching old videos I realised he might have been a bit short in walk before, but not in trot. He is very willing and playful, not showing signs of discomfort. I cannot get a chiropractor at the moment, but I can get a vet. He is not stepping under with that leg enough. Not bringing it under enough. Do you know what might have caused it? Like is it a fetlock and/or hoof or higher up? My trainer said I should ride and see if it gets better or worse. Any suggestions/ideas are helpful. So annoyed and sad and angry as I was looking forward to riding him after this whole thing.

 

[Goldenstar]

It could be dozens of things the most common would be bone spavin .

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

You need a vet to do a proper work up it could be anything.

 

[bubsqueaks]

We had this recently with our Connie - brief history - turned away for 2 years due to glandular ulcers - restarted in May by professional rider - by Week 8 was still not tracking up correctly with right hind - theres a lot more in their hind gut on the right side so issues often linked to that right hind & given history got Vet out to do full work up - his opinion was still building up muscles & weak from turnout but work on - fast forward to Week 25 & now going from strength to strength - our lesson is dont underestimate how long it takes to regain fitness, muscle strength, straightness etc. I have a calculation but cant quote it for how many weeks off = how many weeks getting back. We had also made sure to check in with saddle fit & physio as obviously these are areas key to a horse moving right.

 

[ownedbyaconnie]

I would get vet out to be sure but also bear in mind as above how long it takes them to rebuild strength and suppleness. My mare is weaker on her right side and it’s taken a lot of schooling to get her using her right hind as effectively as her left.

 

[GrecianDawn]

Hey all. Horse had x-rays of his hocks, and sadly his diagnosis is tarsocrural osteochondrosis. Hope it is the right term. He had his right hock medicated, and is on box rest with hand grazing now. Vet said hock injections twice a year and said there was little effusion in the upper hock joint. Any experiences, help? Vet said no arthroscopy for him yet, but it is an option. Please send anything. xx

 

[Errin Paddywack]

I had only the vaguest idea what this was so googled it. This was an interesting read.

https://www.msdvetmanual.com/muscul...chondrosis-of-the-tarsocrural-joint-in-horses

 

[GrecianDawn]

I’ve been googling a lot of stuff too, and read that one as well! The thing is, there are no loose fragments, so I’m a bit confused. If arthroscopy is the best option, I’d rather do it sooner than later. :/