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  Discussion on Hind end lameness in mare
Author Message
Member:
Mwebster

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 29, 2005 - 9:22 pm:

DrO,
We had snow on Thanksgiving here, and our horses were still in their regular shoes. Apparently, my mare injured herself running around her pasture while there was some slippery stuff on the ground, and what I see is: hind end lameness, where one leg circles in a bit, then out, as it moves forward, and the stride on that side seems a little late and short. I've had her on stall rest/very tiny paddock rest for a few days (it takes some time to get a lameness vet to see her), and she's definitely better... at the walk, she looks normal now, but at the trot she's not perfectly level, it's faint but it's there. So, as I consider whether to truck her to a clinic with some good diagnostic equipment, or just rest her some more at home (she hasn't had any bute, etc.), I've been reading up. It certainly doesn't seem like she could have done any major damage (like a pelvic fracture) from the article on that topic (she looks quite comfortable, and is covered with shavings every morning, I don't see a whiff of pain in her demeanor (nor did I when this started). It looks to me like it's higher up than hock, though I can't be sure... but your article on upper hind limb suggests that stifle injuries (barring a kick) are uncommon, and she is adjacent to but not pastured with another horse. There is no heat or swelling, or tender areas. I'm tempted to think it's just a little muscle pull and she just needs time, but want to make sure I'm not under-responding. What kind of guidance can you give me (knowing of course that you can't see the horse) re whether to go invest in a major lameness workup vs just continuing to rest her? She's 11, not an oldster, and I want to continue to compete her. Can you steer me to an article on common muscle pulls in the hind end from skids in the pasture?
Thanks,
Melissa
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 30, 2005 - 9:47 am:

Hello Melissa,
I think it is a mistake to base your treatment and decision or whether to call out the vet on a presumed diagnosis that as far as I can tell has no actual support. Instead you should consider this a lameness of unknown cause. We actually have an article that covers points to consider in such circumstances and addresses your concerns directly, see Equine Diseases » Lameness » First Aid for the Lame Horse for more information and let me know if you still have questions after reading it.
DrO
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