Horses can experience pain like any other living creature. The biggest difference is these stoic animals tend to do a pretty good job at hiding it. Due to their survival instincts, horses try their best to mask pain so they don’t appear weak to any predators. This might be a useful way to stay alive in the wild, but it makes diagnosing a lot tougher for owners. So, how do you know if your horse is in pain? Here are a few subtle ways to tell.
Lameness
This is one of the most obvious signs a horse is in pain. Lameness refers to an abnormality in the gait or stance of a horse. This can be caused by pain of the muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, or bones. The first step once recognizing lameness in your horse is to take them to a small enclosure or stall to prevent any further damage. Physical activity will only make an injury worse, so try your best to keep it minimal. Check for any swelling or lacerations all the way from the shoulder down to the hoof. Be sure to also check hooves for stuck rocks, abscesses, or anything else that might be the cause of pain.
Stomach Kicking Or Biting
When a horse is experiencing gastrointestinal pain, it’s common to see them kick or bite at their stomach. Stomach issues can quickly become serious without medical attention. Keep your horse walking to try to encourage bowel movements and call your veterinarian for further assistance!
Avoids Saddling And Touching
If a horse has some tenderness the last thing he will want is to be touched or ridden. When your horse is avoiding physical contact and even brushing, this could be a sign he is in pain. To inspect further, you can add pressure to your horse’s back and watch if his ears pin or muscles wince. This is a sign that the pressure is too much, and you should seek a professional for further diagnosis.
Loss Of Appetite
Horses love to eat! So if you see one avoiding food, then you know something is wrong. If you find your horse avoiding treats and eating less, check their mouth. Sharp points and hooks can form outside of a horse’s mouth over time, which causes pain when chewing. Another sign of mouth pain is when a horse does not want to give to or accept the bit. Throwing their head when asking to stop or slow down is another sign of mouth pain.
Stiffness When Walking
Have you noticed your horse is walking like he’s on a board of nails? This could be a sign of arthritic pain. Arthritis in horses can’t be cured, but it can be softened with slow movements. Arthritic horses may experience pain even while walking around and barely doing anything. Don’t restrict movement as this can make the problem worse, instead give your horse freedom to move as slowly as he wants. Consider giving your horse some supplements that can help with arthritic pain, like glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronan, and vitamin C.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your horse, don’t panic! Many of these issues can be resolved by a visit from your veterinarian. As a horse owner, it is your duty to stay alert and aware of any changes in your horse’s demeanor. This awareness will allow you to catch any issues as soon as they begin to prevent pain from getting any worse. Paying attention to these subtle signs can keep your horse free of pain and yourself free from stress!