A Case of the NQR-ness

Since my last ride on Suzie I mentioned that she was simply NQR. I didn't have much to support my theory other than the fact that she was obviously in discomfort. However, when our gut tells us something we should generally listen and I am both ashamed and annoyed to admit I did not follow my initial gut reaction.

After Suzie had fell in the arena, exactly a week ago today, she exhibited signs of soreness and her although her gait was even, it was slightly NQR. I had mentioned that she was cold hosed and linimented on all legs, as well as given NSAIDs - a fall like the one she had would render any horse sore - and I gave her Saturday off to recover.

Suzie says, "I b confusing with my NQR-ness"

On the Sunday I wanted to test to see if she was still sore and to allow her to stretch out a bit - she was slightly NQR, but not enough that I was wholly concerned. It felt like bridle lameness, but she easily worked herself out of it. Upon inspection of her legs and hooves, I found not one trace of heat or tell-tale sign of injury. I truly thought I was covering all my bases.

Our Tuesday ride is where my alarm bells went off - her NQR-ness was manifesting a bit more than I had initially thought and I knew I needed some second opinions. A friend of mine, who also happens to be my old 4-H leader came out and took a look at Suzie for me. I walked and jogged her on the pavement which is where Suzie displayed some large evidence of lameness - the most she has ever shown in relation to this whole debacle. At first it was difficult to pinpoint the location of Suzie's discomfort, but after running our hands along her shoulders, neck, spine, and haunches my friend found several spots where Suzie was sore. The most noteable was right above her elbow and another was in her neck - both on the side she fell on. The other side of her neck also has some mild heat as well.

Something isn't right here.

So it looks like she'll be off for a few more days, if not a week. She'll be on some NSAIDs and just hanging around, lumbering at her own pace. I had already booked a chiro appointment for her this weekend but I just received a note from the practitioner that she has to cancel our appointment and will reschedule down the road. It's frustrating because we don't have any other chiros in our area - this woman comes from 8hrs away once a month as it is!

Fingers crossed Mare heals smoothly and also, a kick in the butt to me for not trusting my initial instincts.