Since Taran is still occupying the stall, we converted the barn aisle into a (large) stall for Saga. One of the things I did when planning the barn was to plan to make it modular, so this isn't quite as awkward as it might sound. The biggest issue is that my panels aren't quite the right size for the aisle (they are an awkward 9'8 inches, and the aisle is closer to 12' wide), and I never put in the hinges on the walls to mount the panels on. Oh well, we made do with what we have on hand.
Not exactly the classiest setup ever, but it works.
Of course, almost any suboptimal situation can be remedied with large applications of hay and alfalfa. Nomnomnom.Unfortunately, Saga's still lame. I think he's worse today than yesterday, but that could be because he spent last night on sand instead of on stall mats. We did about a 20 minute hand walk and he was definitely short on the left front. I gave him 2 grams of bute tonight (instead of just 1) so hopefully that, combined with the stall setup in the aisle, will get him back on track. If he doesn't improve over the next few days... that's a tough call. As I understand it, the higher up in the limb you go the harder it is to pinpoint the problem, so it's not clear how much use more blocking his entire leg would do us. I'm considering calling out a vet I've used before who does acupuncture and massage/chiro work to see what she thinks. Hopefully a miracle will occur and he'll heal with stall rest though... keep your fingers and toes crossed!
Is it worth checking out neck and/or opposite hind leg? I've known injuries in both areas cause an apparent front limb lameness...
ReplyDeleteNic, I am wondering the same thing - if it's in his neck or back or something like that. I may do a bit of poking him myself in those areas to see if he responds. My vet said there was "nothing palpable in the limb" and she's pretty thorough. As for the opposite hind leg... maybe? What sort of indicators do you look for there?
ReplyDeleteHe looks happy munching on his hay! I'm not sure what the issue could be, so I'm worthless there, but I hope he's feeling better soon!
ReplyDeleteJen, I've had 2 horses here with pectoral muscle tears that showed up as front limb lameness. I've also known a horse with a hamstring tear in the diagonal hind show up front limb lame. Neck injuries can cause all sorts of issues but Ursuline be pretty obvious (eglack of flexion).
ReplyDeleteHmm, auto spell check had a field day there - sorry!
ReplyDeleteNic, I think he did damage a muscle somewhere. As of our walk last night, he seems much improved. I dug around a little and didn't find anything, but who knows the injury could be deep. I've also started doing carrot stretches with him in case that helps. Fingers crossed!
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