OTTB Weird Stomach/Flank Shape

[MNick]

Back in November of 2024 I took in an OTTB that had retired that July at the age of ten. I knew he was dealing with chronic abscesses and definitely needed to put weight on…

That’s pickup day… shortly after I noticed he had a weird lump in his stomach… I had him vetted, treated for ulcers but the vet was not at all weirded out by the shape in his stomach. This shape is consistent on both sides. Hes ticklish so doesn’t like being fondled in general so this spot isn’t necessarily any different when being touched that he is anywhere else.

Today he looks fabulous and has gained weight but at certain angles I can still see this lump

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Should I get a second opinion? The vet was not worried at all but I’ve never had a horse that looked like that. Any advice or “calm down he’s fine” would be much appreciated!

[Texarkana]

I knew what the shape was going to be before I opened this thread because my one horse had the same thing! She was standardbred, not TB. She was also a retired broodmare, so I wondered if something never bounced back from pregnancy (not helpful in your case).

I can’t seem to find a good photo but I’ll keep searching.

I have no idea what it was. But she was euthanized last fall at 20 after a couple years chronic, non-descript discomfort that my vet and I could never completely resolve. Was it related to the weird flank shape? I have no idea. My vet didn’t seem to think so.

Hoping it’s completely unrelated to your handsome boy’s flanks.

[HiJumpGrrl]

I had a TB mare with that same conformation. Vet said just a normal variant.

[Huntin_Pony]

Since he obviously had a career as a rodeo bronc at some point, maybe it’s related to the flank strap.

Sorry - couldn’t resist.

But seriously, I can understand why you’re curious yet he certainly moves well and feels good. I’ll be interested to hear what the OTTB experts on the board have to say.

Enjoy him! Sit tight!

[Arzny]

We had one with it too! Weirdly - could never get her in foal. Super racehorse, super well bred mare.

[MNick]

It’s a very hard photo to find online I’ve searched everywhere to find something similar! So sorry to hear about your horse hopefully it’s not related!

[MNick]

I feel a bit more reassured seeing others have dealt with a similar conformation! Being a gelding, I know the pregnancy option is out I don’t think he’ll have much luck in that department regardless haha

@Huntin_Pony is probably right! His ol rodeo career got the best of him

Beauty is he’s moving sound and haven’t dealt with anything major! His belly just catches me off guard at times

[Dr_Doolittle]

Nothing to add other than he’s lovely!

[MNick]

Thank you! He’s a blast! He had time off to unwind after racing and just plump up. Just now restarting and going very slow but I’m just thrilled with him every day!

[Live_Wire]

1. I love him.

2. Has chiro checked to make sure a rib isn’t out of place? I’ve seen these weird lumps as a result of a dislocated or even wrongly healed fractured rib.

[MNick]

I have had a chiro out for him that was so so… I finally have an appointment with a chiro that is the highest recommended. Curious to see if this will make a difference! I originally thought it was a rib but it doesn’t seem to bother him much.

Isn’t he adorable? He is QUIRKY! Turnout was very foreign to him he used to run knees to chin through the grass haha he’s slowwwwwly losing his track boy mindset.

[Live_Wire]

So my guy, who could be your guys doppleganger (both physically and spiritually LOL), had a rib out for what was probably a few years and it was actually one of the only things that didn’t bother him! I’m guessing he just got so accustomed to it.

[MNick]

Wow! Good to know! I slide a tigers tongue down his neck and it’s “ooohh ahh” but that stomach area doesn’t bother him. Can’t wait to have someone worthwhile do body work on him.

How long did it take your boy to adjust to a different lifestyle? Jake has finally learned not to hold everything in his mouth including my skin! We’ve been doing tons of hand walks on trails and he’s less of a kite every time! He is fantastic with the yearlings, not really a babysitter but more so one of them haha

I would love to see a picture of your boy!

[Live_Wire]

We’re going on year number 9 and I have accepted the fact that being unmanageable is part of his personality. I adore every little thing about him, but he’s not everyone’s cup of tea. With that being said, he is basically bombproof now and if he’s acting a fool it’s because he’s not entertained by me and/or thinks his idea is better.

It took him a couple years to settle in. Management was a key factor. A consistent program and 24/7 turnout changed his life for the better. Once I realized he wasn’t going to fit into a box, our relationship got much better. He’s been the most difficult thoroughbred I’ve event owned. I considered selling him earlier on, but worried where he’d end up. I felt like it was my responsibility to keep him safe. I am so glad I persevered. He’s my whole heart.

[Live_Wire]

Also - depending on your location or where he came from, I may be able to get you info on him? I have a pretty healthy rolodex of track connections. Feel free to message me.

[MNick]

Oh he is so cute! They do look a lot alike! They even share the one white hind sock he’s very lucky to have found you and your big heart! Thank you for sharing your story. Definitely inspires me as I begin the next chapter with Jake. High energy animals in general love to push us to the edge but it’s proven worthwhile so far!

Once Jake adapted to it, 24/7 turnout was a game changer. Just like your boy I’ve had to let him be his quirky self! Loves, loves being with me but does not want to cuddle at all haha I save that for my yearling and hold back the gushing with him. Giving him space to be wiggly for a moment has helped tremendously and he has been tuning into me so much more. I’ve been reading the Iron Flames books with dragons and I laugh because the relationship between the dragons and riders feels similar at times!

[Aussie_2020]

Oh this pic needs to be in the beautiful tb thread!

https://forum.chronofhorse.com/uploads/default/original/3X/3/d/3d85afca348bdf1b4630e3766ed77c7a22cec0d7.jpeg

[Live_Wire]

@MNick I have an entire album on my socials titled “how to train your dragon” that documents his… learning journey. I often refer to him as Toothless. Joking aside, he really is a good boy though. He follows me around like a puppy.

@Aussie_2020 isn’t he just the most handsome thing, ever! The pony mane will be the bane of my existence, but it sure does look pretty when he’s cleaned up.

[Aussie_2020]

Would you look at his forehead to see what type of whorl(s) he might have and then report back?

I’ve been reading about whorls and what they might mean. Interesting stuff.