Sudden problem with clipping.

[jumbyjack]

She's been clipped many times without problem, yesterday she went crazy, she is aggressive anyway but this was well out of the ordinary. Did wonder if it was because it was someone different so today the YO who usually clips her had an attempt with an even worse result, lashing tail, swinging her butt round to double barrel, head shakes and stamping her foot, real out of control rage and a clear 'get off me' message. We gave up and as I took her out of the barn she was going to have another go at the YO. She has had ulcers so I was thinking this could be the problem again, Omeprazole is on the way. I can't think this is behavioural as previous clips have been fine. She's needle phobic too, maybe she thought that was in the offing, I just don't know. Last bloods took two people to hold her and that she's only 38 inches high doesn't make things any easier! Any comments gratefully received

 

[AmyMay]

What clippers were used? Just the one set?

 

[Gloi]

Are the blades recently sharpened?

 

[meleeka]

In think it’s worse when they are little, there’s really no persuading them. Were the blades sharp enough and not pulling the hair? I think i’d go back a step and see if it’s the clippers or the act of clipping she has a problem with.

 

[Widgeon]

I think i’d go back a step and see if it’s the clippers or the act of clipping she has a problem with.

Yes I'd probably check this first, are the clippers definitely properly earthed etc? Could you try again with a different set of clippers?

 

[Goldenstar]

I would suspect her muscle fasciae are tight and sore .

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

It could be connected to the ulcers as in they have not gone or they have caused a discomfort elsewhere, I know with ulcers it can cause them to get tight and sore muscles anywhere, so it might be worth getting a physio out or sometimes a sports massage therapist can help

 

[jumbyjack]

Both sets of clippers are good, heat checked and blades recently sharpened. It's been suggested a very firm approach and possibly a twitch, neither idea I would accept. Last time the physio came out to her I got the behaviour as above and that is why she was scoped for ulcers, she had some nasty ones which is why I'm going down the road of ulcer treatment. I wish she could talk!

 

[PoniesRock]

I would suspect her muscle fasciae are tight and sore .

Agreed. I do a lot of clipping and I do think clipping is a good tell tell sign of when they aren’t happy and/or are sore.

 

[J&S]

That's interesting, my companion pony wouldnt let me clip her at all for the first winter but now i can clip her loose in the yard.

 

[jumbyjack]

I would agree Goldenstar, she's always angry and even more so now and I would think it's because the ulcers are back. She has been grumpy and aggressive all her life, I've had her since she was 4 weeks old. I 'll see how she goes but could. be looking at scoping her again.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I would suspect the ulcers are back especially if you think the aggression has got worse, have you ever spoke to your vet about hind gut ulcers they can also cause issues but need to be treated differently, might be worth an ask you never know.

 

[spotty_pony]

Definitely not something a ‘firm approach’ would help. If this horse is usually good to clip, there is obviously something amiss - I would put money on it being the ulcers. What is she like with grooming etc, particularly on right hand side? Also trouble picking out off hind hoof can be a sign.

 

[jumbyjack]

She's usually ok with grooming but occasionally she can be unhappy with her tail being touched and back feet. She does have stifle issues as well though. She's overweight but dieting is difficult because of the ulcers, exercise is limited as she can't lunge. She can fly round the field like a racehorse when the mood takes her!