Shoulder lameness - help!

D

dellaelyse

Member
Joined
1 June 2013
Messages
19
Location
Suffolk
Visit site
So Max has gone lame - it happened 3 weeks ago (on Sunday) after he cantered down a steep badly paved hill (someone let him go getting him in.. Grr!).

After a week off and stretching it was no better by the following sunday and hence got the vet out Tuesday. The vet couldn't find anything particularly wrong and said he was probably just he was quite stiff. She gave him bute every day for a week and every other day thereafter for another week, and ween him off gently.

So did the full week, then a day on day off for a few days after that. I didn't do it religiously towards the end as he seemed so much better and sound, but today after 5 days free of bute he is still as bad as he was before! The vet told me because of his age (22 and fit) that I should keep lightly exercising him throughout as he would just be more stiff if he had 3 weeks box rest.

Anyway, what are other peoples opinions and experiences? I'm prepared he may be on bute for a long time if not the rest of his days but just want to know how long it may take if it is going to get better. Not very experienced in this as he's never been lame before (which makes it even stranger for him).

Thanks in advance everyone.
 
Physio would by my next step and asap to release the shoulder.

I have had innumerous shoulder issues from the horses hooning in the field mainly or jarring on a hack when messing or from compensating for gammy knee etc.
 
My horse had a shoulder injury that made him completely lame, my physio was amazing at helping him heal. He did have flare-ups but went on to compete again. In my experience he shouldn't need bute to maintain him, unless it's severe. I would recommend magnetic boots and regular physiotherapy.

I also found vets are pretty rubbish with shoulder injuries... They wanted to nerve block and x-ray for navicular!?!???

Hope this helps.
 
Sheep said:
In fairness I think a lot of lameness stemming from the feet can look like lameness coming from the shoulder!
Click to expand...

It can also be the other way round. I have seen a number of horses that look foot lame but are not moving their shoulder correctly, very much like a frozen shoulder that humans get. Gentle stretching and massage will help.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top