[SorrelHorse]

So Honey's been acting up a lot lately. It's really got me worried.

I know its winter, and the cool weather is bound to make her frisky and fresh, but she's not just excited....she's being really ****y.

When I saddle her she pins her ears and stomps her feet, and even tried to bite me once. I think her back is having some problems.....I ran my hand along her spine and she flinched when I put pressure on the lower area.

And one of her legs as well. I was doing some ground work and when I went to put pressure on her rear to move her over, she started quivering and pinned her ears, stomping her feet and jumping away. I calmed her down and tried again and she very nearly kicked me. But when I did get near enough to feel her, there was no sign of heat anywhere on her legs or hips.

Just arthritis, maybe? But the days and nights haven't been as cold, and it would've come on overnight because she was fine the previous day when I rode her. And of all the horses that we've owned with arthritis, none have ever reacted so violently just from me touching their legs.

She eventually stopped and I could feel her all over with no problems....wierd. So I decided one ten minute ride in the saddle wouldn't hurt. I got on and just walked her around, but she started quivering and even reared on me. That's when I got off and looked her over, and this time her back leg did feel hot. I walked her back to he trailer and tied her, and by the time I was done untacking the heat was gone. Strange enough?

I was thinking some Aspirin would be a good idea to give her, but I want to be sure she's alright before riding. Aspirin would only mask the pain...she could still get hurt. I don't want to ride her unless I'm positive she's sound enough.

Jester had this happen to hm, and it turned out he had a bone spur on his left stifle. It's an epensive surgery, and I really don't want that to happen to Honey too. Because of that **** bone spur, my boy is in pain. If I had two lame horses, what could I do? I'm not about to let that hurt Honey's chances of a good life.

I'm no good with medicine and things of that nature....Mom's the medical one and she's out of town for a few days. Can someone offer a suggestion? She really has me worried.

 

[heyycutter]

i would call the vet, vet calls are free and you could ask him/her all the questions you want and they'd gave you the best advice

 

[White Foot]

The best thing you could probably do is give her a few days off and possibly get a chiropractor out. How often is she ridden?

Try to watch her walking and trotting in the pasture and look for any lameness.

 

[SmoothTrails]

I would say call the vet, give her a week or two of rest, and if it persists or gets worse quickly then I would take the horse in to the vet.

 

[jesredneck98]

As you started off it sounds just like my mare right now. But I contribute this behavior to her being stuck in a stall for the last 3 months. She has been in for training and has had to be in a stall. The more I ride the better her behavior gets. But I would say in your case a vet call is probably your best bet. Also like others have suggested a chiropractor would help wonders and sometimes it's really easy to fix problems with a chiropractor if you've never used one before. Good luck. Let us know what you find.

 

[~*~anebel~*~]

Ok first thing is first, Aspirin, Bute and Banamine DO NOT relieve pain. They are anti-inflammatories and serve to reduce inflamation and the pain caused from swelling. Until you know what the injury is, the best thing you can do is reduce swelling to prevent further damage.
If it is arthritis, it can crop up in one day. If you rode her the previous day a little harder than she is fit for, she's going to be sore!
My advice is to phone the VET, get a diagnosis and treat her properly!

Good luck!

 

[SorrelHorse]

Yes, yes, the vet....the problem being we have no good vets around here. Just a bunch of idiots who don't have a clue. Mom's the only one with any sense...She actually went to equine vet school, as our so-called "Equine vets" did not...Don't ask me how they even got the **** job.

And I generally ride her every day and give her time off on weekends, but since the weather has been really bad I've been riding every two or three days. This last week however I've been giving them all light workout to stay in shape. Nothing major.

Thanks guys.

 

[MyBoyPuck]

Do you use the same blanket all winter? If you don't switch out heavier blankets frequently, the constant rubbing on their backs can sometimes cause back spasms. My horse had been acting a little ouchy lately, particularly about picking up his hind feet. I got him a massage yesterday and he indeed had several spots where he was having back spasms as well as a tight spot around his hip. If she's got a good winter coat, maybe give her a few blanket free days. Maybe a massage in order.