Hind Leg issue

Scouts Willows Ridge · 08-25-2008, 11:55 AM

Hi all I was wondering if anyone has experienced this? I went out the other morning to let our horses out into the pasture and my 6 yr old gelding was high stepping his left rear leg when he walked. I checked his hoof and checked leg hip for soreness and nothing. He would bring his leg/hoof way up and then set it down. We had planned on riding that day but didnt. He did seem a bit stiff in the rear.Towards the end of the day he was back to walking normal. We did ride the following day and everything seems fine. This morning went and let them out still Ok.

**seerfarm** · 08-25-2008, 12:06 PM

From what you described...Possible Stringhalt?

Stringhalt is a rare lameness that causes a horse to lift his hind legs higher and more rapidly than usual when he's moving. One or both hind legs may be affected, and the lameness varies from mild (just a muscle spasm) to so severe that the horse actually kicks himself in the belly when he tries to move. Conditions that make any horse's gaits more animated, such as cold weather and competing, can exacerbate the signs. There does not seem to be pain involved with the lameness, yet it is difficult to ride a horse that cannot control the actions of his hind legs.

http://www.horses-and-horse-informat...98string.shtml

horselady · 08-25-2008, 02:28 PM

If he has never done that before, than he could have just kicked himself or pulled a muscle during the night,
If it happens again that consult vet.

PaintsQH · 08-25-2008, 04:19 PM

Same thing happened to my 17yr old TB mare on Tuesday (day we had TS Fay) Put her out later that afternoon to graze, she was fine (not stalled during storm) and when bringing her in after a couple hours she was walking like she had a stiff back end. Nothing in her hooves, no cuts or anything to injure herself on. I was out at the barn the whole time and all she did was graze. Gave her bute per the vet for a couple days and she is better. Still a tad off, but its a mystery to me what happened. Stepped wrong or something. She has stifle problems which dont cause her any pain or stifness and she is on a joint suppliment. I was really worried about her as this is a first for her in 8 years of owning her. Never had an off day, and she wasnt ridden, so who knows.

GreyDot · 08-25-2008, 04:25 PM

Sounds like stringhalt to me, too. You might also want to investigate the stifle in general, in case something is up on that side.

Lopin · 08-25-2008, 05:36 PM

If it came and went away like the OP said, I would bet that he just stepped wrong or got up wrong. I have a broodmare with stringhalt and it doesn't just show up and go away.

kanoo32 · 08-25-2008, 05:45 PM

I will 3rd the Stringhalt!

EquineAlberta · 08-25-2008, 11:09 PM

It could also be sciatica. If it is, it will likely come and go. A chiropractor may be able to help if this looks like it may be an issue.

Karen

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08-25-2008, 11:55 AM
Scouts Willows Ridge Newborn Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 35	Hind Leg issue Hi all I was wondering if anyone has experienced this? I went out the other morning to let our horses out into the pasture and my 6 yr old gelding was high stepping his left rear leg when he walked. I checked his hoof and checked leg hip for soreness and nothing. He would bring his leg/hoof way up and then set it down. We had planned on riding that day but didnt. He did seem a bit stiff in the rear.Towards the end of the day he was back to walking normal. We did ride the following day and everything seems fine. This morning went and let them out still Ok.

08-25-2008, 12:06 PM
seerfarm Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Portal, Ga Posts: 7,732	From what you described...Possible Stringhalt? Stringhalt is a rare lameness that causes a horse to lift his hind legs higher and more rapidly than usual when he's moving. One or both hind legs may be affected, and the lameness varies from mild (just a muscle spasm) to so severe that the horse actually kicks himself in the belly when he tries to move. Conditions that make any horse's gaits more animated, such as cold weather and competing, can exacerbate the signs. There does not seem to be pain involved with the lameness, yet it is difficult to ride a horse that cannot control the actions of his hind legs. http://www.horses-and-horse-informat...98string.shtml __________________ "To know the road ahead, ask those coming back".

08-25-2008, 02:28 PM
horselady Greenbroke Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: albany new york Posts: 3,243	If he has never done that before, than he could have just kicked himself or pulled a muscle during the night, If it happens again that consult vet. __________________ www.rainbow-horse-retirement.com We love and take care of your companion for the remainder of his lifetime

08-25-2008, 04:19 PM
PaintsQH Started Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 2,417	Same thing happened to my 17yr old TB mare on Tuesday (day we had TS Fay) Put her out later that afternoon to graze, she was fine (not stalled during storm) and when bringing her in after a couple hours she was walking like she had a stiff back end. Nothing in her hooves, no cuts or anything to injure herself on. I was out at the barn the whole time and all she did was graze. Gave her bute per the vet for a couple days and she is better. Still a tad off, but its a mystery to me what happened. Stepped wrong or something. She has stifle problems which dont cause her any pain or stifness and she is on a joint suppliment. I was really worried about her as this is a first for her in 8 years of owning her. Never had an off day, and she wasnt ridden, so who knows. __________________ My treasures do not clink, they gleam in the sunlight and neigh in the night

08-25-2008, 04:25 PM
GreyDot Started Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Between AZ and OH Posts: 2,273	Sounds like stringhalt to me, too. You might also want to investigate the stifle in general, in case something is up on that side. __________________ ...There is nothing to be done till a horse's head is settled. ~William Cavendish Stuipid CAN be fixed... you just have to hit it hard enough! ~A rare moment of inspiration

08-25-2008, 05:36 PM
Lopin Coming two Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Home of Brett Favre Posts: 1,692	If it came and went away like the OP said, I would bet that he just stepped wrong or got up wrong. I have a broodmare with stringhalt and it doesn't just show up and go away. __________________ Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.

08-25-2008, 05:45 PM
kanoo32 Started Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 2,362	I will 3rd the Stringhalt! __________________ Even if your on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there!

08-25-2008, 11:09 PM
EquineAlberta Seasoned Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 4,425	It could also be sciatica. If it is, it will likely come and go. A chiropractor may be able to help if this looks like it may be an issue. Karen __________________ Hillside Stable, Ardrossan, AB Do unto others as you would have them do unto you...is it really that hard?