Lame shetland?

Question

We have a shetland who foaled 8 weeks ago. For the past 3 weeks she has been lame on her back right leg. She holds it up when she canters but is ok for walking and trotting. There is no swelling, the farrier has checked her feet, the is no heat on her muscles so we are a bit puzzled. The vet has been called and is coming sometime this week. She has been rested in her paddock but is now on box rest to see how she does. Her foal is fine and we dont want to give Bute incase she passes it onto him.

Any ideas? Stifle hip has been suggested to us...could this be anything to do with foaling?

Answer 1

Hmmmm....  have you checked her udder?  She may be sore, and trying to keep from rubbing it at the canter.  

Baby might have bitten her; she might have mastitis; could just be an unfortunately located fly bite.  But have a good look, you might find it.

If it's swollen or painful, call the vet, cold compresses, antibiotic ointment if there's rubbed or bitten spot.

Just a thought.  It's actually very rare for horses to be lame at the canter and not at the trot.

Answer 2

It sounds like your mare has a locking patella. Really common in minis. They hold the leg up and appear as if they're hopping (like jack russells do). It is brought about by poor muscling which may have occurred during her pregnancy. If this is indeed what is causing the problem then you have nothing to worry about as it is usually entirely treatable unless severe or prolonged.

Definitely don't give her any bute as it will cloud your vet's picture when they come to examine her.

Answer 3

Hip check.

You will need two people to help you.

You stand in front of her. Up on a wall/fence/bucket, anything to get a good look down her back.

Get your helpers to point to your ponies "point of pelvic bone" You will clearly see (from above) if there is a mis-alignment, one person's "point" will be more forward than the other

A chiropractor will sort her out if it is her hips/back

Answer 4

she may have done something during the foaling, but then she would have been lame straight after. We have had a similar problem with a TB mare. in the end there was nothing physically wrong with her and we were told to give her some work until she forgot about her leg. an hour later she started using it normally again and so we think it was to do with a psychological issue, as she has had trouble with the leg. Bute should bo affect the foal and there are other pain killers which could be tried.

Answer 5

Was the afterbirth COMPLETELY passed? if you are not sure then get the vet to check her internally as retention of only a tiny piece can induce laminitis.

Although afterbirth laminitis is usually on all 4 feet, she may have a predetermined sensitivity in one huf.

The best is rely on your Vet's diagnosis.

Best of Luck!!