Page 88 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

purple/blue tinge, the horse has a serious problem. Some horses have black pigment on their

gums; this is nothing to worry about.
VetBooks.ir Unusual stance

It is often possible to see at a glance that something is wrong with a horse from their stance.

For example, horses with severe foot pain will often point the foot or intermittently lift it off
the ground.

Lying down more than usual

Horses and ponies may lie down more than normal if they are feeling unwell or experiencing
pain. Examples include the pony suffering from laminitis or the horse with abdominal pain.

Lameness

Lameness is a sign of pain and should never be ignored. It is important to check the horse

over thoroughly to try to find the cause. A tiny puncture that penetrates a joint or tendon
sheath, for example, may look insignificant but could have serious consequences if left
untreated for any length of time.

Heat

Heat in a limb or any part of the horse’s body is a sign of inflammation. Heat may be the first

sign of a problem developing in a horse’s leg and should be treated as significant.

Swelling

Swelling is a warning sign that all is not well. It may occur as a result of an injury, fly bites,

an abscess developing or systemic disease.

Trauma

Any cut or other injury is likely to heal best if given prompt attention. Vets are sometimes
asked to treat wounds that have gone unnoticed for days because the horse has only been
observed from a distance.

Change of temperament