Unexplained lameness

[melanie99]

Hi im doing a bit of help for a friend. Her daughter owns a 13.2 cob who would be about 20 years old. he has gone lame in trot on the left rein when he goes round corners but only very very slightly. The vet x rayed his leg and found no signs of anything unusual. when the vet did a flexion test he really showed very lame afterwards. Vet doesnt seem too worried but i am. Im just wondering if arthritis could cause this or if i should suggest the vet xray his foot? Just wondering if anyone else has had this. Its his fore near leg he is lame on but like i say only on the left rein and only slightly noticeable in trot and worse after a canter.

 

[be positive]

This seems to have been dealt with in the wrong order, the flexion test was done and the leg xrayed, you do not say what parts of the leg. The nerve block stage seems to have been missed out, it is usual to block the leg to determine which part is causing the problem and using this information to then take x rays, this would be the next step if they want to find out where the problem is.
Most vets look at the foot first, with him going as you describe , it could be something to do with foot balance and as his feet get longer between farrier visits this puts strain on his joints.
I would get a vet to come out and start again, the pony is obviously not right and needs some help.