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Discussion on Horse Tiny Bit Off
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Member:
Rob10549
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Posted on Friday, Jul 2, 2004 - 5:54 am:
Hi Doc,
I wasn't sure where to place this discussion so I put it here. My trainer, who's been riding my horse for over two years regularly, told me that she feels he's a tiny bit off in the left front leg. She said cantering left she can feel that his step isn't quite right. He did trip the other day but it wasn't a big one but otherwise we know of nothing unusual. He does have VERY long pasterns though and b/c of that we never jump him. In the past, after shoeing he has had some issues with sore feet (he has poor hoof quality) and the last time he was shod, which was about 3 weeks ago, his left front shoe had to be removed b/c of a similar "tiny bit off issue." We buted him last night and today I am not sure if we're riding him or not. I leave that decision up to my trainer as she has a remarkable ability to "feel" my horse. My question is, how does one know when a "tiny bit off" is a big deal or not? When do you call the vet? I am a new horse owner and so I really rely on my trainer to make most health decisions. However, I am constantly trying to gather my own fund of knowledge so I can be part of the decision making process. Also, are the problems that can arise in a front foot so bad that it would make the horse unridable? Or are there interventions one can take to fix the problems? My horse is trained in dressage, if that makes any difference. Thank you, Robin
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Friday, Jul 2, 2004 - 4:40 pm:
Robin until you know the cause of the lameness you never know how serious the problem is. Some life long problems are not severely lame while some easily fixed problems are almost 3 legged lame. All horses have an occasional bout of transient lameness so when to call the vet depends largely on your goals. If your goal is to shorten the course of lameness at all costs the vet should have already been there. If your goal is to spend as little as possible, waiting while resting the horse for a few days may not cause greater harm and often the horse comes sound, but there are some exceptions. If you are uncertain of your trainer's advice why not call the vet and discuss it with him?
DrO
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