Torn muscles

[alexa]

This is my experience this last week-end and would like to hear back from anyone who has had this problem.

I took my horse out for a hack on Saturday, we rode about 1 and a half hours but only walk and little trotting as it was hot weather and he was sweating a bit with just that. Towards the end of the ride he seemed to be uncomfortable, difficult to put a finger on it exactly but there was something not quite right. Back in the stable his legs were bandaged with something called "eau blanche" put on the flannels inside the bandages, I don't know what this is in English exactly but I understand it contains lead and helps for sprains etc. He was walking OK but we thought maybe it was a slight sprain. Sunday morning he could not move and could put no weight on one of his front legs, he was covered in sweat and muscle tremors on the opposite side from the painful leg from the extra stress on that side. I called the vet who was there in an hour (even on a Sunday !) The vet says that there are torn muscles in the shoulder and also the chest on that side. He gave a shot to help the pain and he has medicine and a rub-in linament morning and evening. The prognosis is that normally he would be OK in about a week and to take it slowly from there.

I am worried because I do not see what we did to tear these muscles, we were working no more or less than usual these last weeks/months. He is 9 years old and except for his COPD (under control and no coughing for some time)in good health. He has never been lame since I have had him and we were going slowly, he did not buck, kick, twist or make any odd movements. Some of the forest paths are not so good, holes, stones etc. Anyone any ideas out there so that I can try and avoid this happening again ? Maybe he is not fit enough ?

Any thoughts welcome
regards
Alexa

[Wally]

This may sound daft, but I have known horses to get azoturia in the muscles in the front end and not in the usual muscles of the hind end. Could it be this. The fact that he came home sound then tied up after resting makes me wonder! Did you take it easy on the last mile or so home? This is important, the lactic acid formed in the muscles during work needs to be gently "flushed" out by gentle walking home. If large quantities are left in the muscles this can lead to azoturia.
Just a thought.

[*Anna*]

I've heard of that too Wally...

What kind of work do you do on him? What was the ground like? What was he like when you got on him ? I don't know if it can happen but could it have been something he did to himself in the field and then it got a little worse as you were riding him even if you were going slow?
I hope he gets better soon...

[This message has been edited by *Anna* (edited 15 May 2000).]

[intouch]

First of all Alexa, eau blanche is known as Lead lotion, good for cooling the legs and preventing windgalls and filled legs. I tend to agree that, with the heat, it might have been some sort of tying-up or cramp. I don't know of any Bowen therapists in France, so there's not much point suggesting that, although it would be the first thing I would try. Also, Magnotherapy boots would help accelerate recovery rate, and possibly prevent re-occurance. Maybe add some electrolytes to his drinking water in hot weather. Hope this helps.

[JoeyJoJo]

My friends old horse used to suffer from azotoria.

He just used to freeze up at the front too and couldnt move.

It may be the problem, but I dont know that much about it so I'll shut up!! :)

[@]

My horse gets really stiff (from a past injury) if i don't warm him up and cool him down for atleast 10 minutes (about 20 for warm up) I would just stress the warm up and cool down.
I don't know much about this topic but I assume horses tear muscles like people do..from not warming up and doing an unusual move. It could have been as simple as stepping the wrong way on a rock.
i dunno though, when i tear a muscle it is usually immobiel for a day or 2 then sore for a week, but i recover and i'm sure your horse will too, for me generall the 3 days after are the worst.
hope all works out
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