Unusual Sweat Pattern (no saddle)

[ladymcts]

For almost two weeks, I’ve had a new pasture puff. His only goal in life has always been as a pasture companion, because he was born with a deformity in his knee. I needed a pasture companion for my older horse who is retired, and this fellow’s former owner needed to find him a new home.

He’s about 9 years old, and the knee problem gives him little range of motion, but I was told he’s not in pain. What I’ve seen so far is that even at the walk you can tell he’s not sound. I wonder if he’s got some back-end issues too, because he doesn’t turn or pivot very well, and occasionally seems to get a back leg kind of “stuck” under himself.

I’ll be calling the vet soon for fall shots anyway, so will discuss with him things like pain management, possibly chiro check, and anything else he thinks might help keep this guy more comfortable.

What I’m curious about is that on at least two occasions, I have found him having an odd, large, sweat pattern on his right side. From the top it starts right at the spine, and continues midway down the rib cage, and on up to the shoulder, almost about where a saddle pad might be, tho not shaped just like a saddle. Last night it seemed visually obvious to me, so I put my hand on it, and it was quite wet. I tried to get pictures, but it was too dark.

Any thoughts as to what might cause this?

[fjordmom]

Possible nerve damage?

One of mine started sweating inappropriately, but pretty consistently. Turned out he is insulin resistant and his thyroid level was off also off. Might test test that, insulin, and ACTH. he is older, 23, but these conditions can happen to younger horses too.

[ladymcts]

Thanks for the reply, I’ll mention these to the vet! I was wondering too about ACTH … I thought that weird sweat patterns was one of the markers for cushings. He might be a little young for full-blown cushings, but couldn’t hurt to know where he is.

[newhorsemommy]

My mare has an area near her withers with what appear to be scars from bite marks (I assume from another horse, she came with them). That area sweats sometimes when she’s not sweating anywhere else, and sweats more than other areas. It often has salt deposits left on it, which just accentuates the circular scars. I was told it was from nerve damage in that area. The scars are really hard to see in winter with her winter coat, but obvious once she sheds out.

[RegentLion]

A friend of mine has a horse who injured his hip. He now sweats strangely there… Even if he’s not sweating anywhere else. Both vet and chiropractor say it’s nerve damage. As he’s recovering and moving better though, the patch has gotten smaller.

[ladymcts]

Thanks! Vet will be out Monday.

[ladymcts]

Winner winner, chicken dinner! Thanks to those who said nerve damage … it’s what the vet said. He didn’t do a thorough exam or spend much time here at all, but that’s what he thought it was, and didn’t seem to have any other concerns from just looking at the horse.