Haven’t been on here in ages but I’ve got a question about my 20 yr old retiree that has been having some hind end issues. He’s not much of a runner at all anymore and lately when he has to step up over something like over a board out of the barn, he has a hard time getting over it. He has to stop and take a second to get both legs over. Other wise, walking is fine and doesn’t seem sore when I rub around on him. Calling the vet on Monday but hoping I can get some insight beforehand. I’ve never dealt with stifle or hock issues before. 

 how would I be able to tell what’s bothering him? And how would you treat it? I’m guessing probably arthritis but maybe stifles? 

UPDATE!! Had the vet out to check him. He has been having some weight issues along with the pain in the rear. He did a fecal rest and it came back positive for colitis in his hind gut. He also said that he had some of the worst overall soreness in his hind quarters that he has seen in a really long time. Overall, he is so sore that we aren’t quite able to pinpoint what the actual cause is of yet but he put him on Equioxx 2x a day and has him on a paste and powder of Succeed which should/will heal his gut. He also switched him to Purina Ultium grain for high calories and wants us to order a weight gel from Platinum. All of which, is vertical pricy but we are doing it to make him better. Does anyone have experience with this type of issue and have some suggestions on other products or does this seem right on track? He is already showing major improvements in his soreness since we got him started on the pain management. He said that bute can be hard on their gut and we need all products that are not going to continue to destroy it. 

I would check the SI/Hip Area.  At his age he most likely has arthritis.  Do you have him on anything?

He’s not currently on anything yet. Hoping to have the vet out this week and get it figured out. Was just curious if there was anything I can do on my own to figure out where the soreness is coming from. It’s both hinds. 

Usually if it’s a stifle/SI the horse will not want his leg stretched behind him.  (Like when your shoer is working on back feet). If it’s hocks they will not want the hind leg flexed. 

Could be DSLD.

UPDATED THE ORIGINAL POST 

Ultium Gastric Care for his gut.