Whats Wrong With My Horse?

[mongy46]

I own a Irish Sports horse with alot of thorobred in him.
We haven't been able to turn out for over two weeks and I have noticed that he is looking more and more ropey.
I can't seem to keep the weight on him, even though he is having Spillers conditioning chaff, sugar beet, linseed. Also ad-lib hay which he's not always eating.

His coat looks dull, he keeps scratching when his rug is off, he's grumpy and dosen't like being brushed.
Gets very stressed when his feed arrives, as if he's never been fed.

Could he have ulcers?

In the summer he is turned out all the time and looks great.

I must admit as I have so much to do since he has been in, I haven't brushed him much, is this why he's itchy?

 

[Montyforever]

He might just be stressed because hes stuck in, is there anyway you could turn him out and see if he improves? When my mare was box rested she turned into a totally differnt horse! If he doesn't start looking better/happier with turnout or that isnt an option call out the vet to check him over

 

[BlackRider]

When was he last wormed, also when were this teeth last done?

I'd also second more turnout, even if its an hour a day in the school its better than being stuck in 24/7.

Hope you get to the bottom of this.

 

[Archiepoo]

have you checked for lice? they can cause the symptoms youve suggested,

 

[mongy46]

He had a worm count done in November and wormed after that, and was clear. Also teeth were only done 2 months ago.

He does go out twice a day for a walk with me, and I managed to persuade the livery owners to let him go out the other day, but now its rained again, won't be allowed out for a few days.

 

[mongy46]

I know this sounds silly but where is the best place to look for lice? as I have looked at him but cant see anything.