I went out on Sunday and his front left leg from the knee down was puffed up like the state marshmallow man - just totally stocked up. He seemed totally sound on it so I figured a little exercise might help his circulation/stocked-up-edness (totally a word).
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| Gavin - cankeling it up |
We tacked up and went to the indoor. At the walk he was a good boy. Lots of me asking him to march forward, then stops (squeeze my fingers, brace my back, clench my thighs - sounds sorta sexy…), backing 4 steps, and back to forward. He seemed totally fine and happy to move, so I asked for a trot. He took two steps of trot. It was like I was on a three-legged horse; I thought he was going to fall over. I hopped off and palpated his whole leg. He winced every time I put any pressure on his upper, inside/front cannon bone. I lunged him at the walk for a little while before putting him up.
I immediately put in a call to my vet, and he'll be meeting me out at the barn tomorrow afternoon.
I did go see Gav today, and though he's still really stocked up, the swelling did go down after about 35 minutes of walking. He also seemed less sensitive to me groping around on his leg. I'm wondering if he got kicked? I suppose I'll find out more tomorrow when the vet comes out. Wish me luck.
I keep meaning to write a blog about George Morris. I'm reading his book Hunter Seat Equitation. He's put me in my place a couple times, but he's also reinforced ideas I've had that I've never voiced aloud. It's been a really good read so far, and I'm looking forward to learning more. Every time I go out to see my friend she asks what George has taught me now. :)
Sorry your boy is hurting! Hopefully the vet finds a solution for you!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry he's lame! Fingers crossed that he gets better soon.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear he's lame. Hopefully the vet can help and get him better soon
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that!
ReplyDeleteOh, no poor Gavin. Maybe he is popping a splint?
ReplyDeleteaww sorry he's lame - hope it clears up quickly and easily!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your guys concern! The vet came out and the monster hidden in his hoof had surfaced. The vet barely had to look at his hoof! He had a heel abscess that was oozing when we got out there. Shocking as it is, I've never had a horse with an abscess before! I had no idea that it could cause the whole leg to swell, or that a good sign that it's a heel abscess is that they're fine at the walk, but are really lame at any gait where they have to extend that part of their body. He's on antibiotics, is getting his foot soaked in warm water and epsom salts daily, and just getting lots of love. :) I don't know how long it takes to totally heal, but it's already looking way better, it's already pretty dried up.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear it was an abscess! That's so minor compared to what it could have been. Phew!
ReplyDelete