Aww poor pony. I would say the best case scenario is a hoof absesss, some do take a while to resolve, especially if deep in there and if they are travelling up out the coronary band to drain, rather than down. But as CJ said, the vet is the only person in the end to ascertain if it is something as innocent but painful as that, or in the worst case scenario some sort of break in there.
I mistook a tiny pen nib break for a hoof abscess (though on vet treatment from day one) and within four weeks, it had turned into a raging septic leg a coffin joint infection and a suggestion to put down the horse. Which being the maniac I am I totally refuted and had him operated on twice and vets can't believe he is tearing around the paddock again, as good as new.
So, yeah, just be careful. Sounds like a hoof abscess to me, but be careful of false assumptions too. Catch the problem early before it's too late. Epsom salts sound like a great idea until the vet gets there.
Kim xoxoox
________________________________
From: Arctic Woman <rachellestenvik@hotmail.com>
To: askavet@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 7 October, 2009 5:01:57 AM
Subject: [AskAVet] Re: 14yo pony avoiding weight on front leg but can't find any cause...
Here's a way to test for either an abcess or hoof pain. Pick up the hoof, and hit the bottom of the sole with a rock or a hammer (NOT too hard) the point is to mimick impact the horse has when using the foot. If the horse pulls his foot, you most likely have a hoof problem. I'd just soak the foot in epsom salt about 15 minutes 2X per day, in hopes that it is an abcess, as it is very common to cause a "three-legged cripple". Good Luck!
--- In askavet@yahoogroups .com, "ladys_mom2000" <ladys_mom2000@ ...> wrote:
>
> I have a 14yo Cob-type pony that we just recently got for my son. After a week of acclimating to our other horses across the fence, I turned him out for a few hours yesterday. I don't know if they kicked him, or if he injured it running, or just what, but...
>
> He is limping on the right front. He is, as much as possible, avoiding putting weight on it when he moves. When he is standing, he puts it on the ground in a normal position and even bears some weight on it, particularly while eating.
>
> I can not find any cuts, punctures, scrapes, etc. From his shoulder to his hoof, there is no tenderness or pain with pressure. There is, today, very minimal swelling in the fetlock, but that is likely is from lack of use at this point. There is no other inflammation or heat or swelling anywhere.
>
> I can pick up the leg and move it in all directions (including pulling it back and forward from the shoulder) with no distress. All joints seem to be functioning normally.
>
> I have put standing wraps on him, and have a call in to the vet, but I'm worried about the little guy. He's not any worse from when I found him yesterday, but he's not any better. Any thoughts? I can't find the source of his pain!
>
__________________________________________________________________________________
Get more done like never before with Yahoo!7 Mail.
Learn more: http://au.overview.mail.yahoo.com/
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/askavet/
<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional
<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/askavet/join
(Yahoo! ID required)
<*> To change settings via email:
mailto:askavet-digest@yahoogroups.com
mailto:askavet-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
askavet-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
