What is happening to my horse? :(

Natalieshort

Natalieshort

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My mare has just turned 20 in January and ive only had her for 4 months. Ive noticed when im bringing her down from the field it seems like she trips up or forgets to pick her feet up, but people have noticed when im riding her and do a trot she doesn't pick her front left leg up properly and kind of hops on it, what is going on with her? We didn't really get on when i first got her because she was mistreated but just when i feel like we are bonding there is something wrong with her :( people on the yard think its called navicular or something, ive never heard of this before because im a complete novice as you can probably tell, what do you think is wrong with my mare? :( she is insured and the vet is coming out on wednesday to give her her jabs and do her teeth, do i mention it to them? what does it sound like to you? im worrying!
 
Sorry, people might have ideas but we can't diagnose over the internet, especially with something like this. It could be all sorts ranging from, say, poor foot balance to arthritic knees and everything in between. I think you should definitely get your vet to have a look at her and see her trotted up.
 
Hi there

If you've got the vet coming out on Wednesday then definately speak to the vet then about the lameness and get him/her to assess the problem. If your horse looks more lame today i.e. hobbling more, loking uncomfortable and maybe resting a front leg (resting back leg is normal) then it might be worth asking the vet to come earlier.
I wouldn't start panicking about navicular yet, you might find she has something like an abcess that is relatively easy to fix. Definately get the vet and I wouldn't be riding her at the moment either, until you know she is sound again.

Hope that helps

murphysmummy
 
There is no way others on the yard can diagnose navicular in your mare. That can only be done by your vet. I would ring the vets and request a full lameness workout. Ring them before they come because they will need to schedule in more time for this.
 
Another thing to look at is when did she last have her feet done. Did your farrier have a look at how she walked and trotted then?
 
I would get the Farrier to have a look at her feet, could be something that can be sorted by something as simple as dressing the toes back or changing the type of shoe. If he can't sort it then i'd look at getting vet involved.

Good luck.
 
Wagtail said:
There is no way others on the yard can diagnose navicular in your mare. That can only be done by your vet. I would ring the vets and request a full lameness workout. Ring them before they come because they will need to schedule in more time for this.
Click to expand...
^^^this
Have a look at insurance, it may cover vet treatment or it may only cover death or perhaps loss of use, if in doubt ring the company.
 
This is one to chat with your vet about on Wednesday.

Before you go ahead with any treatments/diagnostics make sure you know exactly what your insurance covers - it is very rare for policies on 20yo horses to cover any more than external injury stuff.

Make sure your vet gives you a breakdown of costs before going ahead with anything.

Good luck
 
Very good point about the insurance. My 18 year old horse is covered up to £5k for everything bar previous conditions, but it was the only policy I could find that does this.
 
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