Limping on hind end...

Boston just recovered from White Line Disease, he's 23, & he has cracks in his feet. We just got him also.

Ever since we got him about a week ago, he's been really touchy on his hind end. He started to trot today and was limping on his back end. He isn't lame & no swelling. What should I do for him? Call the vet? I want to try as much as I can before it comes down to that. Any suggestions?

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Get a good farrier to look at him
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How can he be limping, but not lame? If he's limping, he most certainly IS lame.

As Dirtroad suggested, the first order of business is to have a competent farrier look at him. If the farrier has no ideas, then it's time to call in a vet.

We just had a farrier out.. He said he's not lame. I figure its his joints.

He might not be foot sore, but if he's limping, he's absolutely lame.

Get a different farrier, a horse that limps is lame my friend.

What should I do if he's lame? I want to call the vet, but they are not open for a few days. What is laminitis anyways? I have only owned horses for 4 years..

Laminitis is commonly known as founder. It is the inflammation of the laminae the tissue that surrounds the coffin bone inside the hoof.

Because of the rigid hoof wall, it can not expand, so the swelling may or may not be visible at the coronary band. The affected hoof will feel warmer than the other feet that are not affected. You may have to check a front foot for comparison because the other hind foot may be warmer than normal as well because of him allowing the sore foot relief by not standing on it.

Cold hosing, icing, or standing the horse in a cool pond is part of the treatment for reducing the swelling. You may also put the horse on a pain killer temporarily to help him deal with the pain of walking on it. Consult a quality farrier or a vet preferably on how to treat it in the future and to try to prevent it.

Laminitis is a very serious condition involving inflammation of the laminae in the hoof.

Where are you hearing laminitis?