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Regular
Posts: 57
| This week, I had a vet do a lameness exam on my horse who has been hurting pretty bad for a few weeks. This horse is tough as nails and never gives me crap when she is in pain unless she really hurts. After having the vet look at her and do flexions on both hind legs, she determined the horse hurts really bad and suggested that she would never be riding sound again.
My question is, would you just write it off or would you want more information before you turn her out to pasture for the rest of her life? This horse is 6 and I just adore her, so I won't do anything that will make her suffer, but on the other hand, I feel like I should have more information before making such a long term decision. I feel like this is a bit of a rash determination based on flexions, but I know I'm not a professional lol. Is this usual protocol? Looking for some answers from someone who has experience with this.
At the very least (at the vet's recommendation) I am going to give her the year off and breed her. In talking to the vet, she said this is what she would do. The baby will be mine (I won't sell it - period lol) and I wouldn't breed anything I think would have conformation issues in the future. In other words - don't comment if you don't have anything nice to say lol. This has already been a huge bummer on my end.
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 Warrior Mom
Posts: 4400
 
| What is the reason the horse is hurting really bad and deemed not sound to ride ? |
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Regular
Posts: 57
| All the vet said is that she is in a lot of pain and as a 6 year old going further wouldn't be worth it. She said I could spend 10's of thousands trying to get her sound if I wanted, but it just seems to be a bizarre statement based on flexion alone. But like I said, I'm no expert, and I've never had a lame horse before, so I really don't know what is standard. She didn't go any further than the flexion test. Would you ask for more tests? X-ray/radiograph/ultrasound/MRI? Or just take her word for it?
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 Expert
Posts: 1930
 
Location: Not where I should be... | I think I'd go to a different vet..... and certainly get xrays, etc |
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 It Goes On
Posts: 2262
Location: Muskogee, OK | Absolutely get a second opinion. From a vet willing to thoroughly work the horse up to figure out where it is lame, including nerve blocks and diagnostics such as X-ray/ultrasound. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 695
Location: Windoming | I once had a vet tell me the same about a six year old because of arthritis in his hocks. I sold him with full disclosure and with maintenance, he went on to be a jam up barrel horse and 19 second pole horse well into his twenties. Needless to say, I regret not having another vet look at him. Sometimes giving them time off just makes them a year older...... |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1182
Location: Do I hear Banjos? | She is hurting is NOT a diagnosis. You knew that before you went to the vet. If that is all she had to say then that vet did nothing for you or for the horse. Taking a horse that is too sore to "ever be ride-able" again and making her carry a foal without any actual knowledge as to why she is in pain is really terrible advice.
You need a second opinion and an actual exam with perhaps some diagnostic tests (radiographs, blocking etc) to give you an actual idea as to where the pain is coming from. You need a vet that is actually interested in diagnosing lameness before you write off a 6 year old. |
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Warrior Mom
Posts: 4400
| rodeodreamin - 2019-01-30 12:07 PM
I think I'd go to a different vet..... and certainly get xrays, etc
Yes I definitely would go to another vet and spend the money on x Ray's or MRI. |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| Did she offer to find out why she is hurting, do x-rays etc? If not, you need a new vet-a real one lol. If she did and you declined because of expense, then that’s a different story but you’re going to have to be willing to spend some money to find out what is going on. Are you in Texas? we have numerous excellent vets if you need a recommendation. Maybe she just needs her hocks injected.
Edited by rodeomom3 2019-01-30 12:30 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 705
Location: Weatherford, TX | Look...I do not mean to be harsh...EXACTLY WHY is she hurting and from what? What did this vet tell you that means ONLY pasture sound? I read through all the responses and did not see exactly WHY she is hurting or only pasture sound? Until you can say why, I don't think you can ask for opinions on EXACTLY WHAT to do. My first, immediate answer is a good lameness vet.
Trying to help.
Edited by Gator Bug 2019-01-30 12:22 PM
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Regular
Posts: 57
| Nope, I am in Montana. Any suggestions on the best lameness vets up here? I am more than happy to spend money on imaging and maintenance such as injections if it will work, it was just presented to me as essentially a non-option.
The vet did not offer to do any sort of imaging or suggest any reason other than possible poor cartilage development or arthritis. I didn't even start this horse until she was 4, so she had plenty of time to develop that way. She did not give any real explanation, I just went to her because my horse's back has been sore and she hasn't been wanting to pick up her left hind lead (just cross-firing) though she has come out of that mostly in the pasture on her own.
She didn't like how the musculature in her butt was shaped up top (I have been working on filling this Mare out for 2 years since I got her because she was very thin when I purchased her), but in my opinion, the musculature in her butt is looking much better and starting to square up (finally).
Edited by Aggieruns17 2019-01-30 12:32 PM
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 Expert
Posts: 1395
Location: Missouri | I hope this doesn't sound harsh, but I wouldn't work with that vet ever again, myself. If she wasnt specific to WHAT could be causing the pain she's not helping you or the horse, just taking your money.
Sounds like you've got the idea of what you need to do....a second opinion and are willing to do that, so that's great. I hope someone on here can recommend a good lameness vet within driveable distance for you! |
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | I would what a lameness vet to be looking at this mare, theres a reason why this horse is sore and if your vet is not willing to put the time in to looking for a problem then find a good horse vet that is willing to do more then just look and touch.
How does your saddle fit, what brand of saddle do you have, do you have any pictures of your mare?
Hurts really bad is not a answer, kinda sounds like this vet dont really know what to look for are where to start looking. |
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 Reaching for the stars....
Posts: 12704
| I'm with the crowd on this one - you need a good lameness vet, or at least one who will methodically move through processes to find what is wrong and where and help find therapy for it, whether physical or pharmaceutical or both. |
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Queen Bean of Ponyland
Posts: 24953
Location: WYOMING | I had a mare with a shoulder injury. Vet said put her down, won't even be a pasture pet. Second opinion was a minor standing surgery... she went on to many many 1D wins for many years... |
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Regular
Posts: 57
| I had her fitted down at Three Forks Saddlery and they had her in a Circle Y Flex Tree 2. It fits her great. I went through a few saddles trying to find one that fit, so I think we have that issue worked out. I'll go on my phone and post a photo of her. I don't have one from behind on her, but I have some good side shots. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 672
| Where in MT are you? |
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Regular
Posts: 57
| Whitehall :) |
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Regular
Posts: 57
| Whitehall :) |
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A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | Do you have a good honest horse Chiropractor in your area? If you have a really good one I would have he/she have a look, this mare could be out somewhere.. |
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A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | I like the looks of her. I would maybe change up the cinch to one a little longer and the saddle skirts look a little long for her, she looks like shes got a pretty short back, so maybe the saddle could be soring her up, I would go with a round saddle skirt for her, sometimes those flex trees can be a devil for certain horses.. And I would look into a Chiro for her, I would start somple for her untill you can get her into a good lameness vet. And have the angles of her hoofs checked too..
Good Luck with finding the issue with her, I like her 
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Regular
Posts: 57
| I have had her Chiro'd pretty regularly and he was making some good progress on her, but it didn't solve the issue completely. That is an old photo, since then she has a new saddle, new pad, and new cinch. I didn't like how that saddle fit at all. The new stuff stops before her flank :) Thanks for the input! It is nice to know I was on the right track with all that tack!
What is somple?
And thanks! I love her so much!
Edited by Aggieruns17 2019-01-30 1:52 PM
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 599
| Here’s some hope for you -
My horse can’t up VERY back sore over a year ago. Vet 1 put him on muscle relaxers, then adequan and exercise rehab. Did nothing. After a few months, I tried a new vet.
Vet 2 diagnosed him with kissing spines by X-ray. Boo for the diagnosis, but yay for an answer, right?! The vet surgeon looked at his xrays and said it was so mild that he should be non-symptomatic and to keep looking for another reason for the soreness. So THEN he was diagnosed by ultrasound with an inflamed psoas muscle. Went through bute and exercise rehab with not much improvement. I kept with this vet for a long while, doing everything they said. Then I decided for a third opinion.
Vet 3 came a month ago and right away said his hocks were incredibly bad (prior vets both did flexions and said his hocks were within normal range). Injected his hocks 2.5 year weeks ago and started Equithrive...and I ran him for the first time in 18 months this past weekend. He feels better than ever.
So, second and maybe even third opinion would be so worth it for you!!! |
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A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | Aggieruns17 - 2019-01-30 1:50 PM I have had her Chiro'd pretty regularly and he was making some good progress on her, but it didn't solve the issue completely. That is an old photo, since then she has a new saddle, new pad, and new cinch. I didn't like how that saddle fit at all. The new stuff stops before her flank :) Thanks for the input! It is nice to know I was on the right track with all that tack! What is somple? And thanks! I love her so much!
I meant to say simple, hit the wrong key.. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 672
| Aggieruns17 - 2019-01-30 1:08 PM
Whitehall :)
I would ask around for some good lameness vets in Billings. Get someone who will X-ray, flex, etc to pinpoint what is going on. Possibly hocks are fusing? Good luck!! |
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 Cute Little Imp
Posts: 2747
Location: N Texas | Was this an equine vet, or a general vet that sometimes works on horses? You need a vet that specializes in this kind of thing :)
Find some horse/ranch related Facebook groups in your area and ask around for a vet they recommend. Good luck! |
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Regular
Posts: 57
| Thanks everyone! I did go get a second opinion from a very reputable vet and he rated her lameness as a 2. We did xrays and blocked her left stifle and that helped a ton. Sounds like she is going to be just fine. |
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Expert
Posts: 1395
Location: Missouri | Aggieruns17 - 2019-02-02 8:54 AM
Thanks everyone! I did go get a second opinion from a very reputable vet and he rated her lameness as a 2. We did xrays and blocked her left stifle and that helped a ton. Sounds like she is going to be just fine.
That's great! So glad you got a concise diagnosis for your horse!  |
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  Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | No way enough information. Of course a lot depends on how much money you want to spend. I bet I spent $2000 before I found out Ransom had been competing with a "healed" broken pelvis. Gave him 18 months off per the vets recommendation and he was still off to ride. But happy as a lark to be a pasture pet, so he became one at 6 yrs old. It was the 3rd vet that finally checked via pelvic exam. We had blocked and x rayed everything from the stifle down to the hoof with mixed results. He was a tough horse that really tried despite the pain.
Audie was diagnosed with wobblers after a strange neck issue where he was stiff and couldn't turn his head or lower it below his knees after having his teeth floated. Summer off, lots of money later $3500+ (but thankfully he was insured) and it was just soft tissue. He is not generally a stoic animal. Kind of my sissy boy. But I had another vet that thinks outside the box and we had him massaged/chiro'd and mesotherapy. I think he needs SI injections too, but we had the best season ever last year, just a year after his "wobbler" mis-diagnosis. I would always want actual dignosis before I gave up if I were you. I am finding out that not all vets know it all and there are plenty that don't know that much period. |
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 You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | I didn't read all the comments but I would get a second opinion from another vet before I made life changing decisions about my horse.
I would not stop until I found a diagnosis. What if it's fixable? I would start over, do another lameness exam, localize the area that's the problem based on diagnostic nerve blocks, and then use the imaging available (x ray, ultrasound, both depending on the area) to get an answer. If I can find the area of lameness but don't get any answers from X ray or US I would consider MRI if I wanted to spend the money and find out.
In a 6 year old horse, I would not quit yet. If it were a 15 year old chronic lameness that quit responding to therapies, then yeah, I would be less inclined to do all the diagnostics (like spend the money on MRI) and would spend it on a stud fee.
My god, what if it's something stupid like an abscess.. ? |
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You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | Aggieruns17 - 2019-02-02 8:54 AM
Thanks everyone! I did go get a second opinion from a very reputable vet and he rated her lameness as a 2. We did xrays and blocked her left stifle and that helped a ton. Sounds like she is going to be just fine.
Thank the lord. I was scared you listened to #1. |
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Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | casualdust07 - 2019-02-02 6:47 PM Aggieruns17 - 2019-02-02 8:54 AM Thanks everyone! I did go get a second opinion from a very reputable vet and he rated her lameness as a 2. We did xrays and blocked her left stifle and that helped a ton. Sounds like she is going to be just fine. Thank the lord. I was scared you listened to #1.
My thoughts too |
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You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | wyoming barrel racer - 2019-02-02 7:49 PM
casualdust07 - 2019-02-02 6:47 PM Aggieruns17 - 2019-02-02 8:54 AM Thanks everyone! I did go get a second opinion from a very reputable vet and he rated her lameness as a 2. We did xrays and blocked her left stifle and that helped a ton. Sounds like she is going to be just fine. Thank the lord. I was scared you listened to #1.
I'm sorry but, if I don't know whats going on, I'm going to humbly send the horse to someone who can figure it out... dang sure wouldn't just tell someone to quit, unless they up front told me they had $0 left and couldn't do any treatments anyway. |
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Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | casualdust07 - 2019-02-02 6:59 PM wyoming barrel racer - 2019-02-02 7:49 PM casualdust07 - 2019-02-02 6:47 PM Aggieruns17 - 2019-02-02 8:54 AM Thanks everyone! I did go get a second opinion from a very reputable vet and he rated her lameness as a 2. We did xrays and blocked her left stifle and that helped a ton. Sounds like she is going to be just fine. Thank the lord. I was scared you listened to #1. I'm sorry but, if I don't know whats going on, I'm going to humbly send the horse to someone who can figure it out... dang sure wouldn't just tell someone to quit, unless they up front told me they had $0 left and couldn't do any treatments anyway.
I wish more were that way. I have an all around ranch/pet/horse vet an hour south and one an hour north. They are generally good at most general horse things-minor cuts etc. One I really like to float teeth, the other I can get meds from and supplies for more reasonable plus he is my go-to for cats and dogs. Both will recommend a Vet Surgical hospital in SD for any and all things lameness. They know their limits and aren't about to charge or try and diagnose something they don't do much of. And neither do repro work, but one is excellent at 14 day preg checks. It's nice to have ones that know their limitations. |
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | casualdust07 - 2019-02-02 7:59 PM
wyoming barrel racer - 2019-02-02 7:49 PM
casualdust07 - 2019-02-02 6:47 PM Aggieruns17 - 2019-02-02 8:54 AM Thanks everyone! I did go get a second opinion from a very reputable vet and he rated her lameness as a 2. We did xrays and blocked her left stifle and that helped a ton. Sounds like she is going to be just fine. Thank the lord. I was scared you listened to #1.
I'm sorry but, if I don't know whats going on, I'm going to humbly send the horse to someone who can figure it out... dang sure wouldn't just tell someone to quit, unless they up front told me they had $0 left and couldn't do any treatments anyway.
Wish more were like you. . . Thanks for being a good one! |
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You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | Chandler's Mom - 2019-02-02 9:25 PM
casualdust07 - 2019-02-02 7:59 PM
wyoming barrel racer - 2019-02-02 7:49 PM
casualdust07 - 2019-02-02 6:47 PM Aggieruns17 - 2019-02-02 8:54 AM Thanks everyone! I did go get a second opinion from a very reputable vet and he rated her lameness as a 2. We did xrays and blocked her left stifle and that helped a ton. Sounds like she is going to be just fine. Thank the lord. I was scared you listened to #1.
I'm sorry but, if I don't know whats going on, I'm going to humbly send the horse to someone who can figure it out... dang sure wouldn't just tell someone to quit, unless they up front told me they had $0 left and couldn't do any treatments anyway.
Wish more were like you. . . Thanks for being a good one!
I had to do it to my personal horse last year. I knew where the lameness was coming from, she blocked to her foot, but her radiographs were normal and ultrasound of the foot is often times unrewarding. Sucked it up and spent the $$$ on an MRI, got a diagnosis, rehab plan.. four months later she went back to winning. In my defense, it was a diagnosis that you could only get from an MRI, and it was the best case scenario of what all could have been going on. |
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