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I have an 18 year old horse who has been lame for almost 6 months. I have taken him to the chiroprator for adjustments, but is no better. It only shows up when you ask him to go in a circle to the right. Left circles he is fine or walking, trotting straight out. It is only to the right he is lame. Any suggestions? His feet are all in good shape, and health wise he is great. I am lost.......
Optional Information: Type of Animal: horse Gender: Female Age: 18 Name of Horse: Trooper Already Tried: I have tried bute for 3 days, to no avail. I have also taken him to the chiropractor. I am having a hard time figuring out exactly where he hurts, as it is only in circles to the right he shows the lameness.
Good Morning and welcome to Just answer. I am Dr. Loretta, a licensed veterinarian and I am happy to answer your question.
In most cases such as this the problem is usually caused by mild arthritis starting somewhere. This lesion is probably in the right front leg due to the lameness showing when you trot Trooper in circles to the right because this places more pressure on this leg. Since there is no outward evidence of any lesion, have your vet do progressive nerve blocks going up the leg until the lesion is located and then xrays will be taken. The most common cause is on the foot due to possibly navicular disease or arthritis such as low or high ringbone. Once your vet can locate the problem, then corrective shoeing along with anti inflammatory medications will help Trooper....does that make sense to you?
Hi,I'm just following up on our conversation about Trooper. How is everything going?Dr. Loretta
yes it does, that was my initial thought but wasnt sure. How long do you suppose he would have to be on anti inflammatory medication? And if he needs if for some duration, will it cause stomach problems? I have an appointment with my vetrinarian to work on his teeth, and to hopefully access his lameness. Thank you.
Good Morning. usually, the anti inflammatory medication is given for 7-10 days and then given when Trooper has bad days.There are situations where long term medication will have to be given and this could cause stomach ulcers so your vet will be very careful about this...I doubt that Trooper will require long term medications.
Experience: 25 years experience in treating horses
I did take him to my veterinarian, and unfortunately he has a suspensory tendon injury in the right front. He prescribed anti inflammatories, corrective shoeing, and lots of rest. He is be off for the rest of the summer.
Ouch! That is too bad!Sorry that this is such a severe injury but if treated correctly, Trooper will respond well..Good Luck!