I have a 14 year old mare that suddenly came up lame on her right front hoof about two weeks ago.
She just limps, it is worse the harder the ground gets, but there is no heat, swelling or tenderness anywhere in the hoof, leg or body that I can feel.
A friend of my mine thought abscess, so I soaked her hoof in Epsom salts and warm water for a week. No change, still limps. I made a padded booty type thing, hoping that might cushion, and again no change.
She has no temp, she eats, drinks, poops, urinates, all normal horse things. She still nickers when she sees me.
She has had episodes of founder in the past, but that was numerous years ago (when she was with her previous owner), and has not had a single problem with laminitis in the four years I have owned her. I really don't think it has to do with founder in any way though... the symptoms just don't match the classic founder.
I know she is in pain somewhere, because she is slightly withdrawn and of course the obvious limp. Everything else is fine and not knowing the problem is driving me nuts!
Anyone have any experiences or suggestions to offer? Thanks so much.
She just limps, it is worse the harder the ground gets, but there is no heat, swelling or tenderness anywhere in the hoof, leg or body that I can feel.
A friend of my mine thought abscess, so I soaked her hoof in Epsom salts and warm water for a week. No change, still limps. I made a padded booty type thing, hoping that might cushion, and again no change.
She has no temp, she eats, drinks, poops, urinates, all normal horse things. She still nickers when she sees me.
She has had episodes of founder in the past, but that was numerous years ago (when she was with her previous owner), and has not had a single problem with laminitis in the four years I have owned her. I really don't think it has to do with founder in any way though... the symptoms just don't match the classic founder.
I know she is in pain somewhere, because she is slightly withdrawn and of course the obvious limp. Everything else is fine and not knowing the problem is driving me nuts!
Anyone have any experiences or suggestions to offer? Thanks so much.