Veterinary and Hoof Care

[rosped]

I have a 17 year old Appy (who is blind due to uveitis but not what I'm asking about), who seems to have something wrong with his hind legs. Whenever I or the farrier lift his leg to clean or shoe, he lifts his leg way up, not to kick, but seems like he is having a spasm as his leg will shake for awhile. It takes some time for him to drop it back down and sometimes he will keep lifting it until he almost falls over. Does anyone have any experience with this type of situation?

 

[rosped]

I have a 17 year old Appy (who is blind due to uveitis but not what I'm asking about), who seems to have something wrong with his hind legs. Whenever I or the farrier lift his leg to clean or shoe, he lifts his leg way up, not to kick, but seems like he is having a spasm as his leg will shake for awhile. It takes some time for him to drop it back down and sometimes he will keep lifting it until he almost falls over. Does anyone have any experience with this type of situation?

I should add this is his hind legs (probably obvious).

 

[Zoeypxo]

sounds like shivers, Can he back up in hand?

 

[Highmileagecob]

Yes, my old cob does this, and started about five years ago - he is 29. Happy to assume he gets cramp if he is asked to lift for too long. He often does it when asked to lift a hind foot, and needs to steady himself and maybe take three of four attempts to get comfy. He will overbalance if you try and lift longer than he is happy with.

 

[rosped]

Yes he seems to be able to do that ok

sounds like shivers, Can he back up in hand?

 

[rosped]

Yes, my old cob does this, and started about five years ago - he is 29. Happy to assume he gets cramp if he is asked to lift for too long. He often does it when asked to lift a hind foot, and needs to steady himself and maybe take three of four attempts to get comfy. He will overbalance if you try and lift longer than he is happy with.

Thanks. I was hoping there might be a way to treat it. He's such a sweetie.

 

[iknowmyvalue]

This reaction is often associated with hock pain (or potentially arthritis elsewhere), so I’d get your vet to have a good look at him for lameness etc

 

[Cortez]

Stringhalt?

 

[Highmileagecob]

Old boy has been checked, and I am happy for him to stay on a low dose of NSAID. I can't put my socks on without sitting down, so I suppose it's an age thing.

 

[rosped]

This reaction is often associated with hock pain (or potentially arthritis elsewhere), so I’d get your vet to have a good look at him for lameness etc

I appreciate everyone's help.

 

[GypsGal1718]

Early shivers?

 

[spotty_pony2]

My boy does this but he does have hock arthritis. I know a lot of older horses like this - I definitely think it’s a stiffness related thing. I just ask my boy to pick his foot up and let him get comfortable before I pick his hoof out or whatever I am doing. He has Danilon before the farrier and my Farrier has a special low down stand and is careful not to flex his hind legs too high.

 

[rosped]

My boy does this but he does have hock arthritis. I know a lot of older horses like this - I definitely think it’s a stiffness related thing. I just ask my boy to pick his foot up and let him get comfortable before I pick his hoof out or whatever I am doing. He has Danilon before the farrier and my Farrier has a special low down stand and is careful not to flex his hind legs too high.

I've never heard of danilon. Is it prescribed thru your vet?

 

[spotty_pony2]

I've never heard of danilon. Is it prescribed thru your vet?

Yes. It is basically Bute but a lot kinder on the liver and also more palatable for them.

 

[ycbm]

Yes. It is basically Bute but a lot kinder on the liver and also more palatable for them.

I think Danilon is kinder on the stomach but the liver converts it into bute, so the same effect there. I recently found out that long term use of bute damage the kidneys. I'd always thought it was the liver.
.

 

[spotty_pony2]

I think Danilon is kinder on the stomach but the liver converts it into bute, so the same effect there. I recently found out that long term use of bute damage the kidneys. I'd always thought it was the liver.
.

Interesting, I’ve always been told it’s the liver too!

 

[lynz88]

Can also be SI pain. Mine did this when his SI was a problem

 

[rosped]

The vet confirmed that my horse has shivers. She said 1 mg bute a day long term is ok but I do worry about the damage it might cause and the poor guys has been thru enough. I'm going to see where I can get Danilon. How much do you give?

 

[GypsGal1718]

Have a listen to the horse first a veterinary horse sport podcast , dr de clue is an expert on shivers and has good ideas of what to do