Now He's Lame...

[penny70]

Looks like I'm waiting for the third mishap in nearly as many weeks now!

Mouse scratched his cornea the other week, and is now lame...Went to check him this morning and he was very stiff looking - initial reaction as he lives out is either that he's cold, or that he has laminitis brought on by the terrible conditions, but when he walked over it was obvious that he has somehow damaged his hip which was radiating heat, and there was a damp patch on his thigh that side...

Brought him in and made him a huge bed, and I think he'll be in until we get a thaw, although if it wasn't so hard I'd keep him out I think so he wouldn't get too stiff standing in.

Any thoughts?

[gillee]

Hi Penny70,
It is always a worry when something stikes up out of the ordinary with your horse. I would say that if he had a damp patch on his thigh it might be suggestive that he tried rolling on that side and perhaps hurt himself on his hip in the process? I would call a vet out to check him over for peace of mind at least, or a McTimoney Chiropractor who is able to check out his alignment. From there they will be able to advise you whether keeping him in or out or combined would be best. If he does need to be in or if this suits you better with the weather conditions you could always hand walk him out for some exercise if conditions are not ideal for riding or physically he isn't up to it, but I would be guided by the vet or whatever practitioner you go with.

Hope Mouse improves soon.
Gillee