Any thoughts what might cause these lameness symptoms?

[Showjumper28]

Okay... I will try not to make this too long... And before I start, I will be calling out the vet tomorrow.

A little history... My gelding (8 yr... OTTB) has been out of comission for over a year due to a hoof resection (right front). His hoof is fine now, farrier is doing a great job, and I had the chiro out to make sure everything is aligned. Unfortunately I have been sick for almost a month, so I just started him back to work last night.

I lunged him in tack last night, and inbetween the goofy behavior and the leaping I thought I saw some irregularity in his hind-end. However he was tracking evenly, and I wanted to keep our first time back to work short. Tonight I lunged him and while he was calm and a good boy I could definitely see a hind end problem. He is tracking up and he is even, he is moving totally different in each hind. More noticeable to the right, he is picking the right hind up higher and quicker than the left. There is an obvious hitch to his stride. To the left he is still moving oddly but he is tracking just a hair short yet staying even.

He is neither worse nor better after cantering. He is landing squarely on all feet and he is tracking straight on two tracks. Any ideas? I know its hard with out seeing him doing it, but any thoughts are welcome.

[McVillesMom]

If he's been out of work that long, I'd be wondering about stifles...my guy is a little different in the right hind than the left, and it's more noticeable when he hasn't been in consistent work. If that is the case, it will most likely improve with conditioning. Hopefully that is what your vet will find! :)

[Showjumper28]

If he's been out of work that long, I'd be wondering about stifles...my guy is a little different in the right hind than the left, and it's more noticeable when he hasn't been in consistent work. If that is the case, it will most likely improve with conditioning. Hopefully that is what your vet will find! :)

I was always under the impression that stifle problems are worse after canter work. I hope it is something simple like that. I am beginning to feel like a horsey-hypocondriac. I keep thinking of all these awful things it might be... Sigh

[Donkey]

I was always under the impression that stifle problems are worse after canter work. I hope it is something simple like that. I am beginning to feel like a horsey-hypocondriac. I keep thinking of all these awful things it might be... Sigh

Stop torturing yourself! It's not worth the time and effort.

Since you just started him back in work I would give yourself a time limit of say two to three weeks. Take things slowly, ignore the issue (as long as it doesn't get worse or start causing discomfort) and work your horse. Re-evaluate in a couple of weeks once he's got a bit of work/conditioning under his belt.

Or if would make you more comfortable get a vet to take a look and hopefully give you a green light to start back into work.

[dallasbarnone]

I have seen lower back problems can cause that type of "hitch" , poor saddle fit can also cause some problems. Perhaps try lunging without tack, and see if he moves better.As someone else suggested , if he wasn't on alot of turnout, it can be stifles , but they are usually a little more pronounced.

[ivy62]

Since he has been out of work, there are somereally good strtches you can do to help. The book, activating your horses core is very good and comes with a dvd..I just love it...