sudden muscle rigidity

[cheeryplatypus]

hope someone may suggest what might be wrong with the following horse:
one of the 3 year old clydesdales at a neighbouring farm has developed some muscle rigidity
it started on sunday when my friend noticed his back legs were stiff, now his neck is stiff and tight also and he appears tucked under, he will walk out but looks generally off colour
i would call the vet but the horse doesn't belong to me and the old farmer who owns him is reluctant to call the vet at the best of times
i thought it could be 'monday morning' problem but he's not been in work (obviously), the only thing that has changed is that he went in the lorry (five days ago now) for a short trip

the other thing i thought of was possible tetanus (no immunisations!) but surely this would be quicker onset?
it is a bit like he has had something toxic but the field is the same as always
any other ideas?

 

[Maesfen]

I would have said tetanus too! Have seen it come on slowly and with a big horse like that, it could take a long time to get right into their system. I'm afraid if it is then it's time for your farmer friend to cough up unless he wants a dead horse on his hands! Such a shame, so preventable.

 

[snurse]

I did wonder if going in the lorry had made him so tense and nervous that he pulled muscles or something, but you said that was 5 days ago. Afraid I would suspect tetanus or some other toxin. Could anything have grown/been left in the field that wasn't there before? What about the lorry trip? Anything odd in the lorry or wherever it went? Sorry, that's all I can suggest. It's heart-breaking but there is a limit to what you can do with someone else's horse. If horse got worse and farmer wouldn't call vet, you could intervene with the authorities, but afraid you will get a very bad neighbour and a reputation for interfering. Also, a lot of farmers I know have had large animals for yonks and are quite adept (despite apparent attitude) at seeing when something will right itself and when they need a vet - let's hope he's one of those.

 

[Maesfen]

Farmer hasn't by any chance painted anywhere with lead paint, that's another thought?

 

[cheeryplatypus]

no lead paint - dont think he has painted anything in years!!
the box trip was apparently quite traumatic (dreadful driver) so maybe he's strained himself (all over??)
fraid thinking along the tetanus lines
poor horsey, he was just starting to be backed and such a sweet personality

least my boy is immunised
thanks guys

 

[OrangeEmpire]

Tying up/azatoria can be caused by sudden stress - it may well be this. If you can get some salts into him, this would help if it is azatoria.

If it is Tetanus you would expect the horse to become spooky to noises and also pottery I believe. Fingers crossed it isn't tetanus!!!

 

[Llwyncwn]

Are you able to check his membranes and take is temperature? Also check to see what his dung and urine is like. I know its difficult as he isnt your horse.

Im also wondering if he went down in the lorry and has hurt his back which would account for stiffness and low head carriage.

Is there any more info you can give us?

 

[beaconhorse]

If it doesn't turn out to be tetanus then I would really suspect EPSM especially as you say he has just started to be backed, his breed is prone to it and it can look as bad as tetanus at its worst on top of which stress can either trigger it or make it worse

 

[cheeryplatypus]

well
just to let you know...
he's been given some bute now and that's it! still no vet, and my friend got a massive dressing down for suggesting it may be appropriate!
poor horsey
if it is 'tying up' will it pass on it's own?

 

[FRESHMAN]

To check for signs of Tetanus raise his head up a little with one arm & watch the 3rd eyelid. (right in corner of eye) If this flicks partially across the eye it is a sure sign. There again I would have thought a farmer would know this.
Good Luck

 

[cheeryplatypus]

tetanus
put down today
WHY dont people immunise!
so angry at farmer, this was a lovely horse, what a waste

 

[OrangeEmpire]

Good God! That's awful!

 

[FRESHMAN]

OMG I have been looking for this thread since I replied & couldnt find it. What a waste. I bet you are furious with the Farmer. I know I am.