Vet recommendation for lameness issues?

[PolarSkye]

My gelding has been lame intermittently for about three weeks now . . . it's not nailbind, there's nothing to see/no tenderness to any of his feet, there is no swelling/heat and there are no lumps/bumps on any of his limbs, there is no change in his length of stride but he is clearly uncomfortable in trot (appears fine in walk) and is reluctant to go forward - particularly on the left rein. The lameness was only showing on a circle on soft ground (in the school) but yesterday he simply refused to trot while out on a hack (so in a straight line) even when the others trotted ahead of him (so unlike him - he gave five or six strides of clear discomfort and then just dropped back to walk).

So.

Time for the vet.

We are registered with a local equine vet who have always been fine with routine stuff, but I haven't been particularly impressed with their approach to lameness issues - they seem to dither a fair bit. So I'd like some recommendations for good alternatives. Yes, I know lameness is notoriously hard to pinpoint . . . but I do want someone who knows what they're doing.

We are liveried in Eversley (which is right on the Berkshire/Hampshire border) . . . local to us are:

Sound Equine
Scott Dunns
Stable Close (although they're in Winchester)

Anyone got either feedback on the above, or any other recommendations?

Thanks in advance.

P

 

[Nats]

Liphook? You're just at the edge of their catchment area. Or you could have your usual vets and ask to be referred if you'd like a second opinion.

 

[paulineh]

You could always ask Carsten Skov. He was with Scott Dunns then moved to Hampshire Equine. He is now on his own. As Carsten moved I moved with him and find him so so good.

My mare is at O'Gormans at the moment haing a MRI Scan because of lameness.

Carsten's specialises in lameness. Will PM his number

 

[PolarSkye]

Thanks both. Pauline, several liveries on my yard use Carsten and love him - I didn't know he specialized in lameness so may give him a ring.

Fingers crossed it's nothing horribly scary . . . I hate to see my lovely boy so obviously not right, particularly as he really enjoys working.

P

P.S. Edited to add - best of luck with your mare's MRI . . . pls let us know how she gets on

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

I use Chiltern Equine I am very happy with the vets and the service and the care my horse and I have received over the years.

 

[glenruby]

Would think Stable close or o'hormans would be the best bet.

 

[Slightlyconfused]

Ehco Leviathan.

 

[Nightmare before Christmas]

My horse has these symptoms. Have a full lameness work up he is off to newmarket tomorrow as its suspected suspensory damage or something to do with the rate he is growing (about 1 1/2 inches in 8ish weeks)

 

[saddlerspensionfund]

Are you insured? Would have no hesitation in recommending Liphook equine hospital. Been there twice for lameness issues and have had excellent advice and treatment on both occasions with different horses. Have just had 2nd opinion on as MRI scan and they didnt charge !! yet another horse. I use one of the vets on your list but bit hesitant on advice and sometimes too keen on surgery/expensive drugs which not always proven to work. will not name here as otherwise no prob with them.
take my advice and get prompt diagnoses as it can affect long term results as we are now finding with this third horse. although full vetting think the probs came with him

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

Simon, Ian or Elise at Scott Dunns specifically for legs.
Am V happy with any of them - and the rest of the team.

Elise has been bloody great in dealing with Big Fuzzy for her diagnosis (spot on) and treatment - and involves me all the way via phone & email as well as in person.

Good luck in who-ever you decide on, its a very personal choice in using vets & finding one YOU trust & get on with.