UPDATE!!! Pronounced Lameness - Vet or Farrier?

aguestnga · 03-05-2008, 08:09 AM

I was out of town this last weekend and found out yesterday from barn owner and exbf that Dallas was profoundly lame on Sunday and just a little better yesterday. Ex said he checked his leg and his shoe and all was fine and said he couldn't find any heat so I went out last night to assess for myself.

When D walks straight, he's pretty much okay but turn him to the right and OMG he is VERY lame! So I checked him all over to be sure he hadn't been kicked by the Welsh weanling he likes to rough house with and checked his feet and MAYBE there is a little heat on the front middle of his hoof.

Here's my question/delimma...BO says I should call the farrier b/c she is sure it's an abscess but I made an appt with the vet for x-rays since they'll show a pocket if there is one and also IF he is foundering (from getting in the feed room 10 days ago and consuming a bag of senior feed...along with the five other morons in our barn).

If/when your horse has sudden severe lameness, who do you call first?

Thanks...

recklesshoundog · 03-05-2008, 08:12 AM

I call a vet first. Then if necessary they consult with my farrier.

Especially since the feed room adventure!!! Good luck hope it's just an abcess!

BarnBum · 03-05-2008, 08:15 AM

I would go vet. He can cover all the basics and find the reason. The farrier is limited as to what he can do. Hope everything turns out ok.

tuffsmom · 03-05-2008, 08:18 AM

I go with the vet first. He can explain to the farrier what needs to be done.

Range · 03-05-2008, 08:20 AM

Vet...because this sounds like a shoulder issue.

OhBaby,Vega · 03-05-2008, 08:20 AM

Unless I seriously think it has more to do with the hoof (i.e abcess) I always call the vet first. So I guess it depends on the situation.

gbarmranch · 03-05-2008, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Range

Vet...because this sounds like a shoulder issue.

I agree - vet consult first, and then if need be, you have the vet's advice to give to your farrier..

ilovepaints1 · 03-05-2008, 09:18 AM

I agree with the feed situation I would call the vet and get Xrays and then if its founder the farrier will be able to see what is going on.

seerfarm · 03-05-2008, 09:32 AM

Amy, have you tried a flexation test on him? I tend to agree, I also think it may be above the hoof.

So, I would say vet as well.

aguestnga · 03-05-2008, 09:51 AM

What is a flexation test?

Farrier is coming out at 6:30 tonight to look at him (I adore my farrier) but I also have an appt with the vet tomorrow at 1:30. I've got both bases covered. Fingers crossed he's okay.

ChasnCans · 03-05-2008, 09:54 AM

Horses cannot founder on senior feed.

recklesshoundog · 03-05-2008, 09:56 AM

Done incorrectly (too much pressure, too long) flexxion tests can actually cause problems.

Leave it to the vet.

sugarsgal · 03-05-2008, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChasnCans

Horses cannot founder on senior feed.

Why Can't they? I'd be interested to know. I thought feed was feed, usually made from the same stuff (grains, corn, supplements etc.) Just curious.

ChasnCans · 03-05-2008, 10:13 AM

I'd have to ask my vet again, But its mainly made of good fats, and mainly fiber. Sweet fed, has high fatty acid, and sugers stuff like that. I can find out more when I ask again next time, or just look it up.

horselady · 03-05-2008, 10:19 AM

Hope your horse is well, I hate it when limping, and no evidence of injury.
If a horse gets into the feed room and gorges on senior feed. I would imagine it can build up heat and possibly founder if left unnoticed.

SusiE · 03-05-2008, 10:26 AM

how does this sound like a 'shoulder issue'?? it should like a lameness issue, and nothing she said says 'shoulder' (or anything else). A horse that doesn't want to turn can have pain from the foot to the back. Don't be so quick to try to diagnose. 90% of lameness in the non-performance horse is in the foot. However, no matter how much I 'love my farrier', the vet should be the first call, because even if it is in the foot, the only thing my farrier can do is pare out an abscess and I'd rather cover more bases in an exam....

sugarsgal · 03-05-2008, 10:40 AM

Thanks Chas, I just never knew that.

The lameness can be anywhere from the foot to the back. We have been dealing with a lame horse for many months now and still no answers. This horse was perfectly sound, then BAM dead lame. We started off with corrective shoeing, still lame, injections, still lame, Chiroed, still lame. Had xrays and blocking done and still we are guessing on what it could be. I still say it's in her shoulder as blocking and injections had to affect, what-so-ever. She is going to an out of town vet as soon as our weather breaks for a full body scan.

Without xrays and tests, it's very hard to find what exactly is wrong. I could be simple or not so simple.

seerfarm · 03-05-2008, 10:47 AM

Might suggest reading this.

A horse could founder on Senior Feed, although it is still recognized as one of the safest and less risk feeds.

http://209.85.207.104/search?q=cache...lnk&cd=1&gl=us

aguestnga · 03-05-2008, 10:50 AM

Well, the farrier is MAKING the time to come tonight (hence why I love him when he's neck deep in wedding plans and shoeing all over ga he still is making the time to come look at Dallas after hours) and the vet CAN'T come until tomorrow so that's the way the timing worked out. If the farrier can't find an easy answer then I still have my appointment with the vet tomorrow. Best I can do...

aguestnga · 03-05-2008, 10:53 AM

But it seems odd that he would be showing signs of founder after ten days! Wouldn't that have shown sooner?

But here's a snippet from an email from the BO this morning...

"He’s been lame since Saturday, and I tested his hoof (what is the name of the pulse you feel for on the back of the hoof?). In founder you will have a strong pulse in the hoof and heat from the inflammation (different from the other hooves). I didn’t feel any of that, so I would be really surprised if he is foundering. Also, from what I’ve seen, when a horse founders it’s not a “lameness” issue. They will not move…just stand stock still. Dallas is walking around… Amy, if you ever have a horse that founders there will be no question about it!!! The horse will be standing with his front legs stretched out, rocked way back on his haunches and won’t want to move for anything!!"

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03-05-2008, 08:09 AM
aguestnga Weanling Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 448	UPDATE!!! Pronounced Lameness - Vet or Farrier? I was out of town this last weekend and found out yesterday from barn owner and exbf that Dallas was profoundly lame on Sunday and just a little better yesterday. Ex said he checked his leg and his shoe and all was fine and said he couldn't find any heat so I went out last night to assess for myself. When D walks straight, he's pretty much okay but turn him to the right and OMG he is VERY lame! So I checked him all over to be sure he hadn't been kicked by the Welsh weanling he likes to rough house with and checked his feet and MAYBE there is a little heat on the front middle of his hoof. Here's my question/delimma...BO says I should call the farrier b/c she is sure it's an abscess but I made an appt with the vet for x-rays since they'll show a pocket if there is one and also IF he is foundering (from getting in the feed room 10 days ago and consuming a bag of senior feed...along with the five other morons in our barn). If/when your horse has sudden severe lameness, who do you call first? Thanks... __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, '...holy smokes...what a ride!'" Author Unknown Last edited by aguestnga : 03-06-2008 at 08:32 AM.

03-05-2008, 08:12 AM
recklesshoundog Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NY Posts: 3,162	I call a vet first. Then if necessary they consult with my farrier. Especially since the feed room adventure!!! Good luck hope it's just an abcess!

03-05-2008, 08:15 AM
BarnBum Kid Safe Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 5,845	I would go vet. He can cover all the basics and find the reason. The farrier is limited as to what he can do. Hope everything turns out ok.

03-05-2008, 08:18 AM
tuffsmom Kid Safe Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Nebraska Posts: 5,736	I go with the vet first. He can explain to the farrier what needs to be done. __________________

03-05-2008, 08:20 AM
Range Kid Safe Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Back of Beyond Posts: 6,738	Vet...because this sounds like a shoulder issue. __________________ "Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it all... you just might get it all, and then some you don't want." Chris Daughtery

03-05-2008, 08:20 AM
OhBaby,Vega Halter broke Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 128	Unless I seriously think it has more to do with the hoof (i.e abcess) I always call the vet first. So I guess it depends on the situation. __________________ Baby Girl is due April 2, 2010 :]

03-05-2008, 09:18 AM
ilovepaints1 Long Yearling Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,070	I agree with the feed situation I would call the vet and get Xrays and then if its founder the farrier will be able to see what is going on. __________________ "To many, the words love, hope, and dreams are synonymous with horses" - Anonymous

03-05-2008, 09:32 AM
seerfarm Bombproof Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Out with the Herd! Posts: 9,633	Amy, have you tried a flexation test on him? I tend to agree, I also think it may be above the hoof. So, I would say vet as well. __________________ "One must be a god to be able to tell successes from failures without making a mistake".

03-05-2008, 09:51 AM
aguestnga Weanling Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 448	What is a flexation test? Farrier is coming out at 6:30 tonight to look at him (I adore my farrier) but I also have an appt with the vet tomorrow at 1:30. I've got both bases covered. Fingers crossed he's okay. __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, '...holy smokes...what a ride!'" Author Unknown

03-05-2008, 09:54 AM
ChasnCans Started Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: KS Posts: 2,012	Horses cannot founder on senior feed. __________________ In memory of baby Mayln Marie Loyd. While he may knock over a barrel he will never* break my heart

03-05-2008, 09:56 AM
recklesshoundog Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NY Posts: 3,162	Done incorrectly (too much pressure, too long) flexxion tests can actually cause problems. Leave it to the vet.

03-05-2008, 10:13 AM
ChasnCans Started Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: KS Posts: 2,012	I'd have to ask my vet again, But its mainly made of good fats, and mainly fiber. Sweet fed, has high fatty acid, and sugers stuff like that. I can find out more when I ask again next time, or just look it up. __________________ In memory of baby Mayln Marie Loyd. While he may knock over a barrel he will never* break my heart

03-05-2008, 10:19 AM
horselady Kid Safe Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: albany new york Posts: 6,424	Hope your horse is well, I hate it when limping, and no evidence of injury. If a horse gets into the feed room and gorges on senior feed. I would imagine it can build up heat and possibly founder if left unnoticed. __________________ www.rainbow-horse-retirement.com We love and take care of your companion for the remainder of his lifetime

03-05-2008, 10:26 AM
SusiE Newborn Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 45	how does this sound like a 'shoulder issue'?? it should like a lameness issue, and nothing she said says 'shoulder' (or anything else). A horse that doesn't want to turn can have pain from the foot to the back. Don't be so quick to try to diagnose. 90% of lameness in the non-performance horse is in the foot. However, no matter how much I 'love my farrier', the vet should be the first call, because even if it is in the foot, the only thing my farrier can do is pare out an abscess and I'd rather cover more bases in an exam....

03-05-2008, 10:40 AM
sugarsgal Started Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,750	Thanks Chas, I just never knew that. The lameness can be anywhere from the foot to the back. We have been dealing with a lame horse for many months now and still no answers. This horse was perfectly sound, then BAM dead lame. We started off with corrective shoeing, still lame, injections, still lame, Chiroed, still lame. Had xrays and blocking done and still we are guessing on what it could be. I still say it's in her shoulder as blocking and injections had to affect, what-so-ever. She is going to an out of town vet as soon as our weather breaks for a full body scan. Without xrays and tests, it's very hard to find what exactly is wrong. I could be simple or not so simple. __________________ There is no such thing as an Ignorant horse, there are only Ignorant people!

03-05-2008, 10:47 AM
seerfarm Bombproof Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Out with the Herd! Posts: 9,633	Might suggest reading this. A horse could founder on Senior Feed, although it is still recognized as one of the safest and less risk feeds. http://209.85.207.104/search?q=cache...lnk&cd=1&gl=us __________________ "One must be a god to be able to tell successes from failures without making a mistake". Last edited by seerfarm : 03-05-2008 at 10:52 AM.

03-05-2008, 10:50 AM
aguestnga Weanling Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 448	Well, the farrier is MAKING the time to come tonight (hence why I love him when he's neck deep in wedding plans and shoeing all over ga he still is making the time to come look at Dallas after hours) and the vet CAN'T come until tomorrow so that's the way the timing worked out. If the farrier can't find an easy answer then I still have my appointment with the vet tomorrow. Best I can do... __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, '...holy smokes...what a ride!'" Author Unknown

03-05-2008, 10:53 AM
aguestnga Weanling Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 448	But it seems odd that he would be showing signs of founder after ten days! Wouldn't that have shown sooner? But here's a snippet from an email from the BO this morning... "He’s been lame since Saturday, and I tested his hoof (what is the name of the pulse you feel for on the back of the hoof?). In founder you will have a strong pulse in the hoof and heat from the inflammation (different from the other hooves). I didn’t feel any of that, so I would be really surprised if he is foundering. Also, from what I’ve seen, when a horse founders it’s not a “lameness” issue. They will not move…just stand stock still. Dallas is walking around… Amy, if you ever have a horse that founders there will be no question about it!!! The horse will be standing with his front legs stretched out, rocked way back on his haunches and won’t want to move for anything!!" __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, '...holy smokes...what a ride!'" Author Unknown