Laminitis
Gulp...After going over his feet, poking and prodding, tapping and trotting, no real source of his pain could be found. His right fore does have some "banging" in the digital pulse though, after I knew where to look I could feel it. That really only leaves laminitis as the possible culprit.
We think we know what might be causing it, his lameness correlates with the delivery of freshly mown hay. It might just be too rich for him. I'm getting him cut back to half rations to see if he starts feeling any better.
Please do the trick, please do the trick, please do the trick
My Maisie has had two bouts of spring laminitis, despite years of grazing before and very slow introduction to grass. I believe it's most common in RF, must have something to do with the way blood supply works. She's now on a chromium/selenium/vitamin E/magnesium supplement which helps with any metabolic issues. Fortunately, no rotation in any foot. She's back on grass now, but she's getting more exercise and our grass is no longer as rich. I may have to be more careful with her in the spring.
ReplyDeleteGood luck - it may resolve very nicely.
Sorry to hear about the lameness.
ReplyDeleteIf it is laminitis, boots (or shoes) can make them much more comfortable during the short term while they are recovering.
Mary
Did u call your vet to get a game plan? If not, do so now!!!
ReplyDeleteKate is that a home-made supplement or something store bought? I want to look into that. His is more noticeable in the right front too. Odd.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary, I was thinking about buying him some boots anyway for whenever I finally get to move them and have trails available. Now might be a good time to take care of that.
Hi Racheal, I'm emailing my vet today. Thanks for the push.
Crap. Crap. Crap. I am glad you are in contact with your vet. I am sending positive thoughts your way that it isn't laminitis!!!
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts almost exactly, Wolfie. Only mine was more like F*ck.
ReplyDeletePoor guy. As long as you are in contact with your vet and get a definite diagnosis, I'm sure the vet will give you some direction on how to treat the problem.
ReplyDeleteWe found some really nice boots for some of our horses that our vet recommended. They are called soft ride boots, you might want to check them out.
Here's the link:www.soft-ride.com
Thanks for the boot info, GHM. I'll check them out and see what the vet thinks. Right now I'm waiting anxiously for her response...
ReplyDeleteHope Christie (vet) responded to your email. If not, call her asap. Sometimes her email doesn't go through. Time is of the essence. I imagine lily pads and bute are in the near future.
ReplyDeleteShannon - I actually follow a barefoot blog and it has a ton of hands-on information for foot health. Here's the link: http://barefoothorseblog.blogspot.com Sophie will answer questions, too. I hope Coriander is OK.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link Wolfie.
ReplyDeleteRacheal- I did get through to Christie but she's busy teaching today. She said she'd get Leslie to come out but I haven't been able to get a hold of her to find out what time. Are you nearby?