leg injury

[western]

Today was the worst day I have had with my horse. I have noticed when I brought him in from the pasture that he was sorta limping off of his left leg. He was bearing weight with it. I next like I do everyday is then I picked out his feet and I saw no stones or anything that would irritate it. I think that he might have pulled a muscle in that leg or something. So tonight I put a cold wrap around his leg just to see if that would help it. What do you people do when your horses have pulled a muscle in their leg ? Is the cold wrap a good idea ? I know that their is probably nothing that you could do to it but I hate to see him limping. I was planning on riding him tommorrow but maybe I will wait until it gets better. He is not shod, and he never had shoes on in his life so thats not the problem. I just think that maybe he was playing in the pasture and he pulled a muscle because I cannot find anything in his hoof. What else could I do to help him feel better ?

[arabianbaby]

sorry to hear. i know how you feel. i would definitely not ride tomorrow and would be a good idea to get a vet if it's not completely better in a few days. in my VERY limited experience horses don't usually have pulled muscles... most times i've seen horses go lame it's more serious. i am probably just in a very negative mood since my two horses only have 4 good legs between them right now. good luck. :)

[sidesaddlelady1]

Any heat, swelling or soreness to the touch anywhere? I would be inclined to put him on box rest for 5-7 days or until he's better. If there is no improvement after a week call in the vet. Certainly don't ride unless advised to by the vet.

[western]

Thanks for the replys ! He is back to himself now. He dosent limp or nothing. But in riding it seems like it is harder for him to canter, so maybe it still hurts. Otherwise it looks like 100 % after a few days. I will plan to ride him this thursday and see if it dosent bother him anymore.