28 August 2008 14:47
My 13-year-old, 16hh TB x ID mare, has been suffering from a mystery lameness. My vet did full foot and pastern nerve blocks to rule out navicular and she had nearly five months on field rest. Now she only shows signs of lameness over uneven or soft terrain or going downhill. I’ve tried using magnetic boots and have had a new saddle fitted.
Answer
By Your Horse
Vet Mark Lingard advises:
I do feel for you and your vet – these ‘on and off’ lamenesses are some of the most frustrating problems to sort out. I’m assuming this is a foreleg problem and that nerve blocks above the fetlock level haven’t been performed.
I would be surprised if this is a saddle problem. If pain was coming from her back in levels sufficient to cause lameness of the degree you describe, there would be sore areas apparent along her back and withers. I’d recommend that your vet observes your horse while you’re riding her, performs further nerve blocks, and then asks you to ride again – this will let him see if any improvement has occurred. Only by slowly and logically examining your horse can any improvement be made. This will all take time, so don’t expect to get results in one day. It might be that your vet will need to make multiple visits, which will mean expense!