Lameness - what to do

[Lucinda]

Everyone has different opinions about this, and I'm not sure if there is a right or a wrong really, but if your horse is marginally lame, do you call the vet or do you try rest first? Obvious if the horse is in a lot of pain, then you should always call the vet, but I am always inclined to try rest first if it's only slight. That way, if it's just a slight tweak, it gives it the chance to heal up and you save yourself money and insurance exclusions. Just a thought, what do others think? Am I being cruel?

[greyhorse]

The eternal question. Heat, swelling or a wound and I am quick to call my vet. Having said that, I've just waited through a period of lameness, going back and forth each day as to what I was going to do, and listening to advice from both our vet and farrier. It is never an easy decision, but I think you have to gather as much information as you can, make sure your horse is not suffering or doing any damage to himself and be prepared to reverse your decision if the circumstances change. I'm lucky that our clinic encourages you to call and speak with your vet - which based on their advice and experience, helps you make up your mind as to whether to have your horse examined.

[Lucinda]

Sorry to hear about your horse’s lameness problems greyhorse, and I think you are right, you have to do what is best in your individual circumstance. Great to have good support from your farrier and vet though. I hope all is well with your horse now.

[Snipper]

It's always difficult to know what to do in this situation. If the lameness is only very slight and you're sure there isn't anything to see or feel on her legs, I'm sure waiting a few days to see what happens won't hurt, as long as your horse is rested and not worked at all. If it persists any longer or gets worse, you should call the vet out straight away. And the same goes if your horse comes sound and then goes lame again once you start working her. It's always worth remembering though that calling the vet out and catching a problem early could save you money in the long run. I'd advise calling your vet and seeing what they think. They won't charge you for advice over the phone and at least you'll get a little peace of mind that you're doing the right thing. I hope your horse gets better soon, I know how frustrating it can be having a lame horse.

[Bergie]

I would say that it obviously depends on the situation. If the lameness wasn't severe and the horse is barely lame i would keep the horse on box rest and keep it off work for a couple of days , then trotting it up to see if the problem had gone away. If not i would say phone the vet straight away because the problem could get worse. Obviously if the lameness if severe or the leg has swelled up etc, i would automatically get the vet. Getting the farrier to look at the horse can also help, especially if the horse has recently been shod then gone lame.

[pukkapony]

I have to say I agree, make an instant judgement on what to do based on what the situation is. I am in that exact situation right now. I have a lovely little welsh pony and she has gone lame in the field. She is not in pain as far as I can tell and she stands sound on all 4 feet the problem is she seems very stiff and almost uncomfortable when she walks. I phoned the vet and they advised me to rest her and observe her progress, she has improved but not enough for me to think she is on the mend. My vets offer a special in which your area (according to post code) has one day a week that there is no call out charge, you have to book a few days in advance but the vet just comes around that set area at a set time and if you are lucky enough to be around theres a nice little discount! I have booked her in for the on-call vet and hopefully she will be on the road to recovery very soon!

[Lucinda]

Pukka Pony, did your girl come right in the end? I hope so.

[mja]

If my horses are lame i do obvious checks to find out where if can. If find any wounds deal with themand if serious phone vet. If find any heat and or swelling give rest and cold hosing etc etc for a few days but if not better then phone vet.

If can find anything and not very bad will rest and phone vet if not better in few days. If very bad then will phone vet immdediately.

I have found that can tweak things messing in field especially if slippy in winter or hard ground in summer but alway go with my gut instinct and phone vet even for advice over the phone if worried xx