My Poor Lame Horsey :[?

Question

Before I begin, I dont want anyone saying omg just get him to the vets asap.. or omg poor horse.. or just giving me annoying comments

I just want to find out what could be wrong with him..

Ok so a few days ago I was lunging my horse, and he was tripping in trot, he was ok in walk and canter.

Afterwards, I found a slight heat in his heel, but this was all that I could find wrong with him

So I hosed his leg off for about 10mins a day, and now the heat has gone, but the lameness hasn't..

Any ideas about what's wrong with him?

Also just to add, he's still happily galloping around the field, so I don't think hes in too much pain, because he wouldn't be happy :]

Help Plzz :]

Answer 1

he might just need some rest,dont let him run on it to much,he may of pulled a muscle,or a strain,let him find his feet again lol,i wish yous all the best,

Answer 2

dos he seem to try to stay off tht heel?

is tht feet farthrer out than his other feet?

my horse was a little similar, always tripping, but limped.

she would be "lame" rest a little, then be fine again...it turns out she has narvicular syndrome..

so i would maybe see a vet.

i dont think u shoud worry tho.

Answer 3

i need more info but i think is might be stiffness or he might of twisted it so keep off of him for 7-11 day that might help and dont let him run to much

Answer 4

With the heat I would think perhaps an abcess or injury of some sort. It could also be laminitis which is a serious condition. The link below might help you diagnose the problem, but ultimately you should get the vet or the farrier out.

Answer 5

Sounds like an abscess.  You will need to wait for it to bust through the hoof wall...give it 7 to 10 days  Usually at the cornet band.  Shouldn't be a big deal.  Just stay off him until it heals.

Answer 6

I think he may have kicked his heel hard enough for it to hurt through his boot.

Basically call the vet out tomorrow since there's no rush since he's acting fine and keep an eye on him

Hope he gets well soon :)

Answer 7

I would have to have more information.

Which heel was hot? Which direction was he triping? Was he bobbing his head? Was he tacked up or not?

There are so many variables to know in order to make an educated guess.

I would say laminitis/founder is not an issue here as it is rapid and would affect all gaits.

If this was a foreleg I would take a wild guess that perhaps he overreaches and steps on himself?  Try bell boots whenever you work him to see if that helps, sounds like a bruised heel.

Also if he is overreaching speak to your farrier about rolling his rear toes for a faster breakover to help avoid over reaching.  Usually a horse that steps on himself ony does it at a trot.

Answer 8

It could be any number of things and anything we come up with based on what we know is just a guess, at best.  It's not the kind of thing that we can narrow down to only a couple possibilities, so you'll have to have the vet  or farrier diagnose it.

Answer 9

fly bite

Answer 10

actually my 24 year paint horse( pictured to the left)  had the same problem..... do u stall your horse for long periods of time???/ We though Lacy ( the horse) was lame... but it turns out that being stalled for long periods of time can cause stiffness and limping occasionally... also we had an equine massage therapist come out to our barn and she did all her work and lacy had pulled a shoulder muscle... also with her age being effective, we also think it is the beginning of arthritis; possibly ;( well, i hope u will use my advise because it worked for us!!!! Now Lacy is perfectly finr in hunt seat and western..... her canter and trot, walk too are all back to normal... and next week i will be showing her in 4h shows at the county fair so i highly reccommend an equine massage therapist/ farrier to come take  look(: Good luck, hun!

Answer 11

If you really want to find out what is wrong, then why don't you go to the vet.  You can wait and maybe it will get better on it's own.  Or you could have a more serious problem that requires immediate attention.  But because you don't know why not go to someone who does.

Answer 12

sounds like a small absess. just wait for awhile and see. you'll know when to go to the vet.

Answer 13

If you ae feeling heat, there is a problem. He could have an abscess, or even laminitis. The horse you see as my avatar foundered two months ago. THe vet gave him bute and it attacked his kidneys. He spent eight days in the equine hospital and we almost lost him. He is still confined to a small paddock area. The farrier was here on Sat. and is coming back to check him on Wed. I have never ignored a lame horse. That is one thing I would call my vet, or farrier for. And if left untreated, it could get worse.