It seems to be a front hoof issue. You can't really see anything unless he's walking on uneven, hard terrain (gravel, dried mud clumps) and then he looks a little ouchy. Most of the time it looks to me like it's just in the right front, but then on occasion a misstep happens to the left. There isn't heat in the hoof, I can't feel a digital pulse, he still rests his back legs while tied, and picks up his front legs with pretty much no resistance. Based on these things I'm not thinking laminitis... though I'm no vet. He did have a new farrier trim him about a week ago, and the ground at our new barn is definitely harder than at our last barn (including the arenas).
Not only am I not a vet, but I'm also not a farrier. Having said that, I did notice that Gavin's hooves look flatter than I've ever seen them before. To me, this could have caused a bruised sole. I really should just get my damn vet out, but his off-ness is so slight that most people can't even see it. I'm sure the vet could see it, but I'm not sure if there would be anything to do about it consider how slight it is in nature. Thoughts?
Having said all of that, I hadn't ridden him in a week (until last night, where I walked him for about 40 minutes in soft footing). He's just been getting spa days (which he loves!) - beard trimmed, whiskers shaved, mane "pulled" (cut with fancy fake-pulling device), legs trimmed. He also turns a beautiful mahogany color in the fall, so I've been trying to get some photographic proof of that. :) I've also been reading George Morris' Hunt Seat Equitation book. It reads like a textbook, but so far I'm really liking it!
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| Gimpy, halters, and Fudge with his new 'do |
In other news - my boyfriend and I bought Fudge a wig and then went to the local pug rescue gathering "Pugs in the Park". So fun! Pug costume contests, hot-dog eating contests, pug parades... I was in pug heaven. :)
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| Samuel L. Pugson, Pulp Fiction |
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| Running of the Pugs |
Hope he feels better soon! You are right, it might be the new trim, although it shouldn't last all that long.
ReplyDeleteLove the new hairstyle on the dog! Ha!
Thanks! Yeh a vet who actually works as a farrier specializing in hoof related soreness is coming out tomorrow. He thinks he needs shoes… I have to say, I hope that's it! I'm sad to see my boy in pain!
DeleteIt sounds like a bruise or soreness from the trim. I really like Sore No More poultice for bruised feet, if that's what it is. If he's sore from the trimming, Magic Cushion is the best, but it's expensive. I hope he gets better soon! Also, the pugs are an incredible amount of cuteness and that wig is awesome!
ReplyDeleteThe pugs are totally ridiculous… we never think any dog can be cuter than ours until we go to these events. ;)
DeleteLove his color! Hopefully it is just the trim. My cobs are a bit flat footed and hard or rocky ground slows them up a bit especially after a trim.
ReplyDeleteThank you! :) I wound up calling a vet that works in hoof related lameness (and as a farrier), so he'll be coming out tomorrow. I've never seen a trim soreness last this long. Boooo!
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