Slightly worried about my old boy...

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Snickers

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I have a retired horse, 10(ish) year old 16hh(ish) rescue, he was retired after 3 months of box rest for a kick caused severe degeneration of the arthritis in his hocks. He lives out 24/7 (as advised by vet, she says he really really shouldn't be stabled) and for all three years of retirement, has been a bright, exuberant happy horse.

However, these last two weeks or so he hasn't been himself. He's been looking lame (he's always been a bit wonky, but the vet says this was mechanical rather than pain related) and been reluctant to move. He's still eating and physically looks fine, I couldn't find any heat or obvious pain anywhere, but I've known him for so long, I know he's not feeling 100%.

Any ideas of what to do? I think it's the cold making him stiff, he's very well rugged (perhaps even too well!) but obviously his hocks are out in the cold, also it's his front feet and knees I'm worried about... Also of course the ground is frozen solid and very uneven.. Do you think I should put him on bute?

Please nice (or at least tactful) comments only, still feeling very upset about the death of my young boy! :(
 
If he were mine, I would probably bute for a few days, try and wait this cold spell out. Then see what happens when its a bit warmer, and if needs be get the vet out then. xxxxx
 
Could you maybe put some turnout socks on him at night when it's really cold? I know they don't cover the hocks, but they might keep his legs a bit warmer?
 
flamehead said:
If he were mine, I would probably bute for a few days, try and wait this cold spell out. Then see what happens when its a bit warmer, and if needs be get the vet out then. xxxxx
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I agree, it may be just this weather getting him down as it is everyone. Hope it is just this xx
 
Holly Hocks said:
Could you maybe put some turnout socks on him at night when it's really cold? I know they don't cover the hocks, but they might keep his legs a bit warmer?
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I was going to say something along the lines of this. Just try to keep him as warm as possible. Does he get a feed? If so, perhaps some form of joint supplement? Not sure what else to suggest really. Sorry.
 
Most horses who are on this frozen ground are struggling at the moment so horses with joint problems will be having a time too. Once the ground softens a little he should be able to have an easier time. I dont prescribe overuse of bute so I wouldnt use it for this.
 
Not a terribly helpful response I'll admit, but given his history of lamness and early retirement I would be having the vet out. They will be able to check him out, perhaps take bloods to see if there is anything going on infection wise, and also advise you on the best way to keep him comfy. If you suspect he may be a little well rugged then I would urge you to rug him less. Given forage and shelter from wind and rain horses are excellent at creating heat and keeping warm. They are however very bad at cooling down - they just aren't designed for it! Is he drinking enough? In this cold weather it is particulary important that they drink enough.
Hope he is back to his old self soon.
 
Just another thought in addition to the above. Could he have slipped in the field? Maybe if he doesn't improve you could get him checked out by a physio just to see if he's done anything on the slippy ground? :)
 
Bute won't do him any harm. I know horses that have been on bute for years with no ill effects.

I agree with the suggestions above.

A few horses are getting a bit PO with the weather atm:)

If desperate, he could come in to a good sized box for the odd night if he is so depressed.

I wonder if you can use Deep Heat on horses?
 
i would put some turnout socks on at night just to try and keep his legs warm and keep circulation going.
when my old mares look a bit stiff i always give their legs a rub down with a warm towel which seems to help a bit and gets some warmth into their old joints.
if hes really struggling then i would give a bit of bute just to help with the discomfort.
maybe invest in some magnetic boots as ive heard good things about those
hope hes feeling better soon
 
What about putting him on some sort of Devil's claw supplement (No Bute or NAF do one)? My retired unridable boy is on this and I do think it has made him more comfortable. Less harsh than Bute on a permanent basis.

Also what about some bandages for support while he is out? Even if it was just over night? If you are quick about getting them on or off and they are changed regularly, they shouldn't run or get too water logged. It sounds silly, but it might be worth a try while th ground is so horrific.

Or what about those hock boots that are made of neoprene? They don't tighten like leather hock boots, and might just keep the chill out. I bet its the cold. It has been reaching minus lots (!) pratically every night for almost 2 weeks now.

HOpe he feels better soon.
 
I assume he is actually showing lameness on the affected leg? It is quite possible because he is compensating for the stiffness in the leg he has caused other problems in his back / other legs and a session or two with a decent physio may well help him as will help ease any associated stiffness and encourage the blood flow to the joint.

I had a pony with spavin (just in one hock) who improved so much with physio sessions.
Do you have him on any joint supplements at all? If not it may well be worth looking into.

As a temporary measure bute certainly will not do any long lasting damage and may make him feel more comfortable but i think unless you are 100% sure the problem is with that part of the leg, it may be worth getting the vet out again or just double checking all his other legs and feet - is it possible he could have bruised a foot (or two) on the icy, gard ground for example?
 
If you have a stable available then try him in for a night or two. My old arthritic mare is very lame and uncomfortable if left out 24/7 and much better when in at night for a rest. She has only recently become like this - use to be better out!! Can't help to give it a try. Also if you have or have had snow, then the increased effort to move through the snow may have made him sore. Poor boy - it's so miserable just now! Hope he picks up soon.
 
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