What could cause this? barefoot old pony

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weebarney

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This is my first time at attempting to post photos so hope it works! My old pony who has cushings but no other ailments i know of has been standing like this for a couple of weeks, with his fetlock sort of flexed also he has been standing now and then with his legs under him. I did wonder if his feet were causing it but when i spoke to trimmer he didnt think it sounded like they were causing it but im going to email him some pictures so he can say better. Trimmer said it could be arthritis setting in. CC please.
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regardless of the length of his feet he is a vet job. I think foot length is circumstantial to the problem with the fetlock which also looks bigger compared to the other hind?
 
ester said:
regardless of the length of his feet he is a vet job. I think foot length is circumstantial to the problem with the fetlock which also looks bigger compared to the other hind?
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i think his joint is the same size as the other its just he is resting it flexed forward which i think is what makes it look huge.
 
weebarney said:
i will do, just wanted to rule out if it just was a problem with the trim.
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the pony is standing like that to reduce weight load on the limb, the foot length is not the problem the length of the foot does not make the fetlock look like that the pony needs a vet not the trimmer, the feet are too long yes but there is something else going on.
i would not waste time with the trimmer but be getting the vet out tomorrow the pony is not comfortable why leave it like that?
 
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Long toe, the hoof is starting to 'slipper'. Can you see how it is concave?

This might be nothing to do with why he is not fully putting his weight on that leg, but it needs to be sorted.

I would also get the Vet, he is clearly unhappy on that leg.
 
I think it's definitely one for a vet in the first instance. It may well be nothing to do with the hooves or he could be relieving weight on his hooves.

ps. I wouldn't be worried about the trim at this stage. You need the vet to rule out laminitis etc.
 
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amandap said:
I think this is very wise. Does he shift weight from one foot to the other?
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No I don't think he does. Trimmer has seen a pic of underside of foot which I haven't put on here and he says there is next to nothing to trim off and he wouldn't want to take any off without a vets instructions as it would be invasive . So vet it is.
 
So he's been stood like this for a couple of weeks?!!! And no vet?

And you are worried about some horses not having hay in a field for two days?:confused:
 
I beg to differ.

This OP was only a few hours ago saying how there was a 'serious' neglect case of horses not getting hay in a field for two days.

Are you seriously telling me that it's acceptable to stand there looking at your horse stood like that for two weeks without even considering a vet?

:eek:
 
Well vets just been and the old lad is fine, no lameness or pain in leg or hoof, he is just getting old and his ligaments aren't what they used to be. Hooves weren't brought up until I mentioned them at the end of the examination, he just said they could do with a bit off but nothing major.
 
weebarney said:
Hooves like what?
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They look unhealthy in that they appear long and flared.

But you have a hoof practitioner with an excellent reputation and your vet has agreed there is little to take off.

This is one of those cases where pictures do not show the real truth and it's best to go with the attending professionals, who have seen the pony in the flesh.

Making the hooves look nice and short on this pony will end up crippling him and with an elderly pony with Cushings - it's really all about keeping him comfortable at all costs. Appearances be damned.
 
Good news weebarney. :)

ps. Many of us know that trimming or shoeing to make a hoof look 'nice' isn't the road to go down. Hooves are very dynamic and it's all too easy to take too much off in the pursuit of the 'look'.
 
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Sorry but his feet are extremely long which will put pressure on other liagemts, tendons etc in the leg and yes he could have arthritis, but please dont let your trimmer convince you his feet are fine,
 
putasocinit said:
Sorry but his feet are extremely long which will put pressure on other liagemts, tendons etc in the leg and yes he could have arthritis, but please dont let your trimmer convince you his feet are fine,
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i havent put photos of the underside of his feet but there is very little if anything to trim off the bottom. I asked the vet if his feet could be causing this and he said he didnt think so, he said from his pov he could do with a trim as its been 10 weeks since last trim but nothing that should be causing him problems.
 
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