On and off front end lameness VIDEOS ADDED

[saitou_amaya]

I have a 19 year old Friesian gelding that I have been dealing with on and off again lameness that feels like the front end for about a month. Most days it is very subtle and not even noticeable to most people, which makes this harder and why I was reluctant to call the vet right away. But there have been a few days now where he is lame enough it is noticeable from the ground and in the tack. Prior to this issue, he had minor arthritis in the hind end managed with monthly Pentosan.

The vet is coming out next week to exam him, but I’m wondering if anyone has any ideas while I wait? I wish I had video, but I don’t. It feels like the front left to me and he is totally sound to the right, only feels off tracking to the left. Worse on a small circle. His front left feels more stabby if that makes sense? Like he is picking it up and putting it down quicker than the front right. He does seem to work out of it, except for the days when he has felt really off and I just got off and put him away because I didn’t want to push him. When this initially occurred, I gave him time off to see if that made a difference and it didn’t. I am reluctant to give a horse his age and breed too much time off unnecessarily because he does get more stiff in the hind end with stall rest or time off.

I know there is only so much you all can tell me from a forum post, but I just want to feel like I’m doing something while I wait for the vet to come. He is on vacation until Thursday. I’m really stressing about this.

[Training_Cupid]

Any heat or pulse? Considering the time of year - could it be an abscess or sole bruise? If my gelding has a minor abscess oftentimes he’s not full lame but I can feel a little unevenness in the trot. It wouldn’t hurt to try soaking until the vet appointment.

[OneTwoMany]

@saitou_amaya

I have a 19 year old Friesian gelding that I have been dealing with on and off again lameness that feels like the front end for about a month. Most days it is very subtle and not even noticeable to most people, which makes this harder and why I was reluctant to call the vet right away. But there have been a few days now where he is lame enough it is noticeable from the ground and in the tack. Prior to this issue, he had minor arthritis in the hind end managed with monthly Pentosan.

The vet is coming out next week to exam him, but I’m wondering if anyone has any ideas while I wait? I wish I had video, but I don’t. It feels like the front left to me and he is totally sound to the right, only feels off tracking to the left. Worse on a small circle. His front left feels more stabby if that makes sense? Like he is picking it up and putting it down quicker than the front right. He does seem to work out of it, except for the days when he has felt really off and I just got off and put him away because I didn’t want to push him. When this initially occurred, I gave him time off to see if that made a difference and it didn’t. I am reluctant to give a horse his age and breed too much time off unnecessarily because he does get more stiff in the hind end with stall rest or time off.

I know there is only so much you all can tell me from a forum post, but I just want to feel like I’m doing something while I wait for the vet to come. He is on vacation until Thursday. I’m really stressing about this.

It really could be anything. A brewing abscess is possible or a stone bruise, although these will usually resolve in a month’s time. A soft tissue strain is possible, or perhaps a joint is inflamed and in need of an injection, both of which need appropriate treatments to resolve.

No need to stress. You should have some feedback from your vet in another six days and then you’ll be able to treat accordingly.

If your fellow has some arthritis in the hind end, it might be catching up to him a little. Sometimes horses compensate for discomfort in one leg by having another leg take on more of the burden.

If you post a video, I’m sure some keen eyes on this BB will give you a bit more input.

[Palm_Beach]

My first thought was navicular since you did not mention any heat or swelling in the front leg. He’s not really the breed, though. But maybe a foot thing, Whatever it is, I hope it’s minor and fleeting.

[mmeqcenter]

@Palm Beach

My first thought was navicular since you did not mention any heat or swelling in the front leg. He’s not really the breed, though. But maybe a foot thing, Whatever it is, I hope it’s minor and fleeting.

I also thought this, as the symptoms/behavior described is identical to my gelding when he was diagnosed with navicular disease.

[buck22]

My morgan presented similarly, we thought it was early navicular, turned out to be a shoulder injury. My other horse presented similarly, turned out to be a hoof imbalance. A friend’s horse presented similarly, turned out to be a stone bruise. Another friend’s horse presented similarly, turned out to be ringbone. Another friend’s horse presented similarly, turned out to be a small nail in her foot (was there for weeks before anyone found it, horse recovered without incident). Another friend’s horse presented similarly, nobody could find the issue and it resolved on its own.

It really could be anything.

OP, arming yourself with possibilities while waiting for the vet is a double-edged sword. Its comforting to feel like you’re doing something by reading and researching, but oh-so-easy to work yourself up over what could be nothing.

Go see your boy, groom him and love on him, massage him so he isn’t so stiff and sore (you might turn up clues in the process), cross your fingers and wait for the vet.

[halt]

@buck22

My morgan presented similarly, we thought it was early navicular, turned out to be a shoulder injury. My other horse presented similarly, turned out to be a hoof imbalance. A friend’s horse presented similarly, turned out to be a stone bruise. Another friend’s horse presented similarly, turned out to be ringbone. Another friend’s horse presented similarly, turned out to be a small nail in her foot (was there for weeks before anyone found it, horse recovered without incident). Another friend’s horse presented similarly, nobody could find the issue and it resolved on its own.

Adding to that, my own horse presented similarly, I thought it was a suspensory because it was so niggling (front) - had the limb ultrasounded & x-rayed down the the coffin bone… nothing… except extremely thin soles… Sub-clinical laminitis (inflammation only) that went away once he was shoed appropriately. Padded him to the hilt and changed farriers and the funkiness up front went away… but then returned when his kissing spine got really bad.

I’ve seen a lot of horses present similarly to what OP has described, that had some coffin bone joint involvement - either natural degeneration/arthritis due to age. At 19 I’d expect some sort of maintenance, joint or otherwise.

Hope you keep us updated, OP, and hope it is simple and easy to fix!

[saitou_amaya]

Thank you so much for the replies everyone. I forgot to mention, no heat, swelling, or tenderness to the touch. The hoof was not sensitive to hoof testers and he just had his feet done a couple weeks ago. He wears regular steel shoes on the front and back.

I realize it could be a million things, but I am just trying to prepare myself while waiting for the vet. I will try to see if my husband can come out with me tomorrow to get video (although with my luck, that will be one of the sound days).

I have a really dumb question too. I have owned this horse 12 years and never has he been lame, so never have I had to have the vet out for a lameness exam. He was flexed once about 5 years ago when he first developed the hock arthritis but besides that, never taken a lame step. He is one of those study, built like a tank old school Friesians and has always been super sound. What all will the vet do to try and determine the issue?

[halt]

@saitou_amaya

Thank you so much for the replies everyone. I forgot to mention, no heat, swelling, or tenderness to the touch. The hoof was not sensitive to hoof testers and he just had his feet done a couple weeks ago. He wears regular steel shoes on the front and back.

I realize it could be a million things, but I am just trying to prepare myself while waiting for the vet. I will try to see if my husband can come out with me tomorrow to get video (although with my luck, that will be one of the sound days).

I have a really dumb question too. I have owned this horse 12 years and never has he been lame, so never have I had to have the vet out for a lameness exam. He was flexed once about 5 years ago when he first developed the hock arthritis but besides that, never taken a lame step. He is one of those study, built like a tank old school Friesians and has always been super sound. What all will the vet do to try and determine the issue?

For starters, have the horse out and fully groomed for vet. Pull out tack if he’s a riding horse and keep nearby somewhere for easy tack-up. Bring gloves, helmet, and lunge line.

I also have friends film if I can. So I think having a willing hubby is a good idea.

It really depends on where the lameness is localized, but for starters, the vet will probably want to see the horse trot up and down a hard surface - either the driveway, aisle, whatever you have – so make sure you try to clear any clutter for that. The vet will want to have a clear view of all legs, so try not to obstruct the horse while you jog alongside him. When you get ot the end of the turn, slow to a walk, and turn the horse away from you (so vet can see his legs) rather than have the horse turn around you. (Does that make sense?) Do this for flexions as well.

During flexions, sometimes they want it mounted, sometimes they want it in hand. Generally, most lameness evals I’ve had done has been mounted.

This has been the order my vet has done things, usually. My vet is VERY thorough, and these were usually for more subtle lamenesses (and soundness checks, which I have done every spring)

1. See horse walk and jog in hand up/down driveway.
2. Tack horse up, bring to ring - lunge horse w/t/c both directions
3. Watch horse undersaddle, W/T/C both directions
4. Start flexions. Depending on where, my vet usually does lower to higher.
5. Block (locally anesthetize) leg, usually starting at the lowest point we think is affected (so usually start at hoof).

During the block and flexions, they will count down for you – it’s important that you get the horse to trot off ASAP once they say they’re ready.

Hope this helps!

[theresak]

6. If you are able to localize the lameness with the block, you will then be presented with options of further diagnostics (xrays, ultrasound, etc.). Depending on the vet, they may have some treatment options at this phase as well, but since it’s your horse’s first lameness, I think getting some images before treating would be a good idea. Take notes of what the vet finds and what he/she says about treatment and prognosis.

7. Depending on what the imaging shows, you will likely be given options for treatment from injections, shockwave, to rest and rehab, etc. Get all of the options from your vet. My vet is great at giving me the “time” treatment option (usually wait and see or pretty conservative treatment) and the “money” treatment option (throw everything at it that should have a beneficial effect). Feel free to ask the vet for some time to consider the options and schedule a follow up appointment for the treatment. You can also ask the vet if they would consult with other vets in their practice or a nearby vet school - my vet sent some xrays with a possible cyst to our vet school to have the radiologist review.

8. If you get a disappointing diagnosis, give yourself some time to ask questions and do some reading. There are usually options for helping manage most conditions even if you can’t fix them. Giving the horse and yourself time will almost never harm a lower limb issue.

I would think since your horse has been so sound, this will hopefully be a minor issue with a quick correction.

[Palm_Beach]

@saitou_amaya

Thank you so much for the replies everyone. I forgot to mention, no heat, swelling, or tenderness to the touch. The hoof was not sensitive to hoof testers and he just had his feet done a couple weeks ago. He wears regular steel shoes on the front and back.

I realize it could be a million things, but I am just trying to prepare myself while waiting for the vet. I will try to see if my husband can come out with me tomorrow to get video (although with my luck, that will be one of the sound days).

I have a really dumb question too. I have owned this horse 12 years and never has he been lame, so never have I had to have the vet out for a lameness exam. He was flexed once about 5 years ago when he first developed the hock arthritis but besides that, never taken a lame step. He is one of those study, built like a tank old school Friesians and has always been super sound. What all will the vet do to try and determine the issue?

A good vet will be able to get it pinpointed with an in-hand jog any maybe a few seconds on a lunge line. No need for the whole dog-and-pony-show. Depending on what he or she is thinking, there might be some palpating or flexing or hoof testers. Then you may get a working diagnoses, with a recommendation for additional diagnostics (xray, ultrasound).

You really want your horse to stand quietly for the exam, and not have him wiggling around or craning his neck to look at the horses over yonder. And yourself as well - once you give the history, refrain from constant questioning/commenting and let the vet work. Once you get a diagnosis, discuss as much as you want.

Did you mention to your farrier that he was on/off lame? I’m sure if your farrier noticed bruising or a possible abscess he/she would have said something. Good luck!

[halt]

thanks for finishing that thought, @theresak !

[saitou_amaya]

Someone was actually at the barn tonight when I got off work and I convinced them to take some videos! He was unfortunately pretty lame tonight, more so than he has been recently. But I guess at least it will be pretty obvious in the videos he is lame. I would greatly appreciate anyone’s perspective while I wait for the vet to come on Wednesday morning.

This is a link to a folder in my Google Drive, there should be four 30 second videos. If that doesn’t work, let me know and I will try something else! https://drive.google.com/open?id=1GO5ZCNUlhbudYb2_Wxg4gRxSX4AAAkJI

[fargaloo]

I’ll admit I’m not great at this, and watched your videos on my phone so take it with a grain of salt, but I’m seeing the right front, not the left as lame… just using the “down on sound” rule, it looks to me like he’s raising his head just before right front lands…

[SolarFlare]

@fargaloo

I’ll admit I’m not great at this, and watched your videos on my phone so take it with a grain of salt, but I’m seeing the right front, not the left as lame… just using the “down on sound” rule, it looks to me like he’s raising his head just before right front lands…

Also no expert but I’m seeing the same thing. The “stabby” left you’re feeling is him trying to get his left front down faster to take the weight off that front right. He looks very much like my gelding when he’s brewing an abscess (he’s also had a bruised foot this year, with similar feel, except with the bruise he’d feel pretty sound after a day off, then significantly worse on day 2 of riding).

I would be putting Animalintex on that front right to see if you can draw anything out before the vet gets there.

[DawningDreams]

I agree about it being more right front rather than the left. I’d try treating as an abscess until vet comes out. Good luck and jiggles for your gorgeous boy!

[saitou_amaya]

Thank you all so much for chiming in so quickly! I agree it does seem a little abscess-y but would an abscess go on for a month without draining? And also have the on and off again lameness? I genuinely do not know and am asking as he has never had an abscess before.

[Carolinadreamin]

I too saw right front. Well, it won’t hurt to treat it like it’s an abscess (until your vet comes out). Soak for a while in mixture of warm water and epsom salt.

[SolarFlare]

@saitou_amaya

Thank you all so much for chiming in so quickly! I agree it does seem a little abscess-y but would an abscess go on for a month without draining? And also have the on and off again lameness? I genuinely do not know and am asking as he has never had an abscess before.

They definitely can do that, especially if you haven’t been poulticing or otherwise trying to draw it out. Sometimes they’re not very big and they like to linger and cause varying degrees of lameness. It could also be so subtle, especially compared to what you have now, that he seems sound but really he’s a tiny bit sore.

[saitou_amaya]

I’ve been treating like an abscess over the weekend and so far nothing. Time off does seem to help though. I have another question for you all though. I put him on the lunge line Sunday and he looked pretty much sound again, which is consistent with the on and off lameness. It seems like working him, especially multiple days in a row, makes him more unsound. I’m worried he will be sound when the vet comes Wednesday morning and we won’t find the cause. Should I work him Tuesday night or will the vet be able to “make him unsound” and find the issue? This seems like a silly question, but I want to get to the bottom of this issue on Wednesday and I’m afraid the vet will see a sound horse on Wednesday and not find anything.