Can a horse be lame and not in any pain?

Question

My old mare has an old stifle injury. Lately she's been very lame after standing still for any time but it mosty wears off after walking a bit although she still limps. I think she is developing arthritis. But the reason for my question is that she marches me, ears pricked, onetwothreedot, anywhere we are going and if I take her out loose with me riding my other horse she loves to gallop about even if the other horse is walking. Exercise doesn't seem to make it either better or worse. What do you think?

Answer 1

It sounds like arthritis and I think you need a vet to see her. She will, at this point, be more stiff and uncomfortable than in pain. My TB was recently recovering from an inflamed navicular bursae which had left him in (supposedly) quite a bit of pain. He proceeded to jump a 3 bar post and rail fence into the next field! However, that said, sometimes they "work through" the pain if its not too great. Your mare probably is more keen to get to her field etc. than she is to slow down because of stiffness. Definately get a vet to examine her though.

As for the technical aspect - a horse that is technically unsound is classed as lame, but a technically unsound horse is not necessarily in pain. For example, my TB has bone spurs and so has an irregular gait, this makes him technically unsound. However, he's in no pain as it's just a gait deformity.

Answer 2

Any older animal or animal with arthritis from an injury can stiffen up and be lame until they move around.  The lameness may just be stiffness, or there may also be discomfort, or it can be both.  If she limps most of the time, you might want to have the vet check for other joint or hoof problems.  Whatever the cause, the symptoms would be considered mild to moderate, since she does chase around, but she also does have a pronounced limp.

The vet may suggest a treatment based on the facts you've shared here.

Answer 3

You need to bring her to a vet so they can bock her foot. dont worry this is nothing bad will happen all the do is numb the foot and then walk her out then they take x-rays

Answer 4

Two things here.  First riding her is the best thing you can do (especially considering she has seen a vet and they have done what they can do).  Second often times stifles and other joints will become stiff from lack of motion.  Stiffness does not always equal pain.  Sometimes such joints are simply slow to move (I know I have enough LOL).  They may start out bothering her for the first few minutes but then loosen up and feel better as exercising takes place.

Answer 5

no if you horse is lame he must be in pain or you would not know

Answer 6

Horses with old injuries can limp or move awkwardly with out being in pain. Some just have a hitch in their giddy-up. :) The best way I can explain it is: My grandpa had bad knees for years. He had them replaced but even though he was in no pain, he still limped terribly. He had just become so accustomed to walking that way. Plus, problems like stringhalt don't cause any pain. It looks bad though.

Answer 7

A horse can be lame and not in pain i knew a ex-racehorce that was pemanantley lame in a back leg and not in pain

   Your horse sounds like arthritic though

Answer 8

As I understand lameness, it is a clinical term used as an indicator that a horse has an injury or illness.  It is the "sign" that a horse will display if there is a problem.  It can be fleeting or it can be constant and evidence of pain may be intermittent as well.  What you describe with your mare appears to be a "chronic or permanent" situation that will not improve, will become worse with age, and will probably predispose her to accelerated degenerative processes such as arthritis.  If she feels good enough to  gallop at times, that is wonderful.  It would be normal for her to be stiff in initial movement and then loosen up after some exercise.  Your information indicates she has been completely checked out and properly diagnosed by your vet, so take his advice about her activity.  Just because your horse chooses to be playful at times does not mean she is able to carry a rider.  While it is good for some arthritic horses to exercise, keeps them moving, it may not be good for your horse.  True stifle injuries, in my experience, are actually rare, but if you have a verified tear, I would just let her enjoy her life in retirement the best way she can.  I think it's great that you spend time with her and let her go with you when you ride.  You describe that she, obviously, enjoys it too and seems to have a good connection with you  (ie the 'marching' etc.).   You didn't mention if your vet advised you about riding her.   You are with her everyday, so use your best judgement to do what is best for her at this stage of her life.

Answer 9

I badly smashed my ankles about 7 months ago and I tend to find that when I first start walking after a rest I'm stiff and sore but once my ankles loosen up they're fine, sounds like your mare is similar in which case she will be best doing light exercise.

For the arthritis you should get her on a glucosamine suppliment as this will help to slow down the progress of the arthritis and make her more comfortable. The fact that she still limps suggests that she stays a bit stiff and possibly uncomfortable but the fact that she races around when she can suggests that she is still enjoying life so I would continue what you're doing with as she sounds like she enjoys herself and isn't too sore. If she does start to be getting a little worse then you could talk to a vet about also putting her onto bute to make her more comfortable.

Good on you for continueing to look after your old friend.