Ben

[jeezitsjacki]

So as you know I moved ben (right before christmas) and about a week later he was lame. Best guess is that he hurt himself when he slipped in the trailer then pawed on that leg hard on the ride and hurt himself. Well now its Febuary and I still havent been able to ride him. Well thats a lie I got on him saturday and walked for 5 minutes because I cant stand not riding him. The vet is coming back out Friday to check him and give him chiropractic treatment. My biggest worry which I dont know if its irrational or not is that he isnt going to be rideable. Either he hurt himself too bad, or its arthritus. When I bought him (he was 7 then, 9 now) he showed signs of arthitus and im afraid its acting up now. Im worried about my boy and I dont know what to do and am nervous about Friday. Hopefully it will be ok...

[Equine_Woman]

Well step back and breathe!! Even if it's arthritis it's NOT the end of the world!! Most of my older horses have arthritis and we still get out and go! Mack was treated daily for the pain associated with it but he was happy to continue doing his thing until the end!

Just remember. . .any sort of injury to the back or hip, or leg takes FOREVER to heal fully. Seriously! I had my foot stepped on once and it still hurt like the dickens over 12 months later and nothing had been broken!! Same with my back. Just give him some massages and hope that the chriopractor helps! Don't panic until someone tells you to panic!! ;)

[JackieB]

Good advice from EW. Just take one day at a time and try to stay optimistic. We'll be thinking of you.

[AUEquine]

I'm a little confused on your timeline? Did he get lame imediatly after the trailer ride? Or was it a week after the ride? A week after, they're probably not related. And if the lameness came on suddenly, you're probably not arthritis. Are there any visible symptoms (bumps, swelling, lacerations, punctures, etc.)?

[Tiz]

I'd go out on a limb, and say almost certainly not related to the trailer.

There is a video of Ben, after the onset, on the forum you should comment on, AU.

[vicklynn]

I'm a little confused on your timeline? Did he get lame imediatly after the trailer ride? Or was it a week after the ride? A week after, they're probably not related. And if the lameness came on suddenly, you're probably not arthritis. Are there any visible symptoms (bumps, swelling, lacerations, punctures, etc.)?
Agreed


There is a video of Ben, after the onset, on the forum you should comment on, AU.
Id like to see and hear about that video.

[jeezitsjacki]

I noticed he was off right away, but sometimes he just gets off when its cold and he works through it... so I continued to ride but then around 4 to 5 days later I was riding and asked for the trot and he started bucking trying to get me off, and I knew something was seriously wrong cause he doesnt usually buck. He was a little warm on his shoulder, I have been putting on DMSO which has helped some and he has been on bute

[Diane of Buck's Hollow]

Hope you get it figured out with the Vet on Friday. Try not to worry!! :)

[Country Girl 43]

I know it sucks when our babies are hurt. :(

Like everyone has mentioned, wait till the vet see's him and go from there. If it is arthritis it can be managed.

[shewasmyshadow]

Yeah, Rashad has had mild arthritis since he was 18. As you know, he's 28 (almost 29) and he still trail rides just fine.

[jeezitsjacki]

Yeah I know arthritus can be managed... and this is going to sound bad but heres my situation. I go to school monday-friday, come home friday, see ben friday saturday and sunday, then go back to school. My friend rides him during the week, he is a high energy, loves to be ridden horse. Also he is boarded at a nice place... he gets turned out in the morning for 4-5 hours, then is in his stall except for when I ride him. I pay a lot for his board. So honestly if it is something serious where he cannot be ridden 4-5 times a week for 45 minutes or so, I may have to wind up giving him to a good home. I would want him to be in an all day pasture situation if he cant be ridden, and my boarding place isnt like that. Trying to stay positive!!

[offgridgirl]

After our IM talk last night, I really believe that he will get better. The massage therapy and some light walking in hand may be called for. Keep the positive thoughts. Let us know what happens after the visit on Friday...{{{{HUGS}}}} I will try to come for a visit soon!:)

[jeezitsjacki]

ill be sure to update this tommorow after the vet... the appointment is at three.

[jeezitsjacki]

he is on stall rest for 2 weeks...but my BO is doing to put him in an open stall connected to the arena during the day so he isnt in the barn all by himself, and he will get to look at the people riding, and look outside. Then he will go back in his stall for the night. I think I have a picture of the stall

http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=1149&pictureid=16225
you can kind of see it on the right..but his is two down.

[zoel_222]

What did the vet say besides putting him on stall rest? I hope he'll be okay.

Whitney's been having leg issues too, on and off since last June and I can't ride her, so I know how it feels.

[jeezitsjacki]

he wasnt completely lame so it was hard to tell. She thinks its the shoulder though. But 2 weeks of rest doesnt work then im going to ride him hard so it will be easier to tell what exactly is hurting