Lameness(long)

["Budler,Cindy" <natcon@afrox.boc.com>]

Hi all,

Need some input on my new mares lameness. On Sat evening we went on a
training ride with friends. This horse is very,very hot and when in
company is a real idiot pulling and dancing. She is 11 years old and I
have had her only 4 months. We have been working dressage and distance
and mainly alone because of her stupidity out with others. Anyway 4 kms
into the ride she was suddenly lame. No heat in legs, no swelling
-thought maybe bruised foot. Rested Sunday- even more lame-looked like
left fore but still no swelling or heat anywhere. Asked farrier to come
in yesterday and pulled front shoes and used hoof testers- no bruise
/pressure etc. Both of us very confused as on right circle she is lame
on right leg- on left circle lame on left!!!  Farrier thought back or
neck. Eventually found reaction when palpitate muscle- and this is where
I need some input... This muscle runs from the inside of the point of
the shoulder. When I lift her front leg out this muscle can clearly be
seen running from inside chest up neck(next to the groove where the
artery runs) Do you know which one i mean?? When I massage this muscle
in the chest area it is obviously sore and she leans into it,dropping
her head and mouthing. I am giving her bute, icing the muscle and
massaging it as well. What could have caused this and how do I prevent
it happening agian? Could she have done worse damage than just a sprain?
It seems to be worse on the left side , but the whole neck seems to be
sore when massaged as well... I suppose due to her favouring the sore
muscle.Some ideas on how too handle this??
Thanks again ..

Regards,
Cindy Budler
  Natcon
  Fabrication Division
  Afrox
  Germiston
  Gauteng
  South Africa
  Tel: Direct Line :(011) 871-1006
         Cellphone : 082 464 1809	
  Fax:(011) 873-4623
  E-Mail : natcon@afrox.boc.com