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Leg problem2007-11-24 21:18:21

My barrel horse has come up with a limp in his hind leg. I can mash it and he doesn't flinch, I can move it and it doesn't "pop" I can only see the limp when he is trotting, it is not a "huge" limp but noticable. Nothing is swollen, no skin broken. I have laid off of him and turned him out to be a horse but he still has the limp. Before I spend a ton of money at the vet do any of you have any ideas as to maybe what I can do to help him?

Answers:

I hear where you are comming from on the vet thing-

Is he lame at the walk, or canter also?

The biggest problem is that there is no heat, swelling, exterior damage, etc. So now you are playing the guessing game...

I would say no to a hoof absess because you would see a lame horse at the walk. (pluss you did say that the farrier has been out)

Most hip injuries or strains show up better in the canter on the injured sides lead rather than the opposite lead. You can palpate the hip joint to get a reaction if he is sore there.

Stifle injuries can show up at the trot or canter, but seem more lame at the canter- again on that sides lead. With a stiffle injury you can squeeze the stifle lightly palpating it with your hand and get a responce if there is pain- you usually would also feel some heat though.

Tendon injuries show up at the trot and or walk, and some if bad enough wont put weight on it just standing , but with tendons- 99% of the time there is some sort of heat or swelling.