Back Leg Problems-Juddering &Not Putting Weight On

[snowboo]

There is a horse on our yard that is having problems with his back legs. Hes an ex racehorse and is about 24.

His owner said he has been having problems for a while, she says sometime his back leg locks. Since I've been on the yard, about 5 years, he has worn overeach boots when he is turned out as he overreaches alot. I've seen him also dragging his back feet.

I went round to see him the other day when he was in his stable and noticed he wasn't standing right on his back feet. He was switching from foot to foot and wouldn't put his full weight on each one, keeping his foot on the floor but his leg bent so weight wasn't on it. Also when he tired to put each foot down they juddered.

Hope my explaination makes sense, its hard to describe. If I can I'll try to get a video of him doing it. Has anyone heard of anything like this though?

His owner thought it was just a pull and said it has happened before about a month ago. She gave him bute but 2 days on and its not making any difference. I just get the gut feeling that this isn't a pull and the way he is standing makes me think it is something more then that. I'm no expert though so I dont know what it is. Suggested toay that it might be good to get a vet to have a look when hes just stood in the stable so the can see how he is standing.

I'm going to try and do some research tonight. Would be good if anyone had heard of anything simlar

[specialized]

Possibly the stifles are either not locking correctly or are locking when he is moving.

[sarahbing]

At 24 it could be a whole host of reasons, and foolish to speculate. I would recommend she asks her vet for advice

[gwenoakes]

This is only a suggestion, but Jack, Clares Shire stood funny and ooched around, shifting his weight from one side to another although not 'properly' if you understand me.

It worked out that Jack had gastric ulcers. This was the only symptom that he showed, no usual tenderness around the girth, no loss of condition, just the ooching and standing funny. Like I said just a suggestion, but if he is an ex race horse too........

[jill]

Dec 11, 2012 20:42:42 GMT 1 sarahbing said:

At 24 it could be a whole host of reasons, and foolish to speculate. I would recommend she asks her vet for advice

Ditto