sebocat
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Shoulder RotationsI was out grooming the horses the other day, and it seems like my Belgian's right soulder is a bit funny. I think the shoulder-blade is twisted forward when compared to the other. (The other seems to "lie flat"). Its what you'd expect maybe if the right leg were standing toed in, but its not, he's standing square.
Its hard to explain, and the pics aren't turning out. He also doesn't seem lame at all. He's bright, moving around like I'd expect, and his feet are in great shape. Only problem he's had was about a month ago when he had something impaled in the opposite frog, but the vet has been out and has already fixed him up.
It is extremely icy out now that things are starting to melt, and its possible he may have fallen (those crazy ponies are really frisky right now and refuse to be careful!)
But why would he be uneven? Is it something that should be addressed? Could he be injured? Who hcecks/helps that - a regular vet, or a chiro? The only chiro in my area (that I know of) is about 120 lbs soaking wet (last time she saw him, she was scared of him, and she wasn't even there for him!). Aren't they (shoulder blades) supposed to be symmetrical and lie the same?
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cynthia peterson
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And this is a change from the past? Meaning the shoulder wasn't always this way, or you just noticed it this way? Yes, both shoulder should be the same. Are you sure it is the bone and not just a difference in muscling?Still a problem, but at least easier to help.
You should check length of reach with both shoulders. If you have snow, that would be best to look at the hoof prints. Then you have something to measure the difference with. And the hoof still points forward?
Still, it sounds like it is not a lameness issue, more like something that has been going on for awhile.
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Clarissa
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Sebocat, A single rotated scapula is indicative of a tight side. You might be able to see that the outside edge of the hoof sole on that side is worn down more than the inside edge as it twists as the horse moves that shoulder differently. It's much like when we always slump to one preferred side & stand on one leg mostly. The ribs on that side poke out making us uneven & it would show in the level of our scapulas when viewed from behind.
It could be due to having to limp or saving the other leg somewhat. A good way to take a photo that will show the profile of both sides of the withers is to stand on something right behind the horse & take the photo looking forward. Another way is to feed the horse something on the ground & stand right in front & shoot back showing the profile of the withers. Make sure the back feet are standing even too when yo take the photos as that can cause the horse's belly to be poking out more on the side with the rearward leg. That in itself can cause the shoulders to look a bit uneven.
The side that is rotated will be less able to bend so the horse may go round with it's head pointing out of the circle a bit or be reluctant to bend fully into the circle while being ridden. I realize you probably haven'tgot to that stage yet with winter still on you there but there are things you can do in a stable to help.
The first would be to try the lift the belly exercise by applying the hoof pick upwards into the V under the chest just near the girth. That's a good exercise for strengthening the whole set of muscles in the barrel region. If you gently bend the horse's head around on both sides you might see & feel a difference.
Why it's happening needs to be discovered before you start riding again, that's for sure.
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sebocat
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Well, he's an 18hh+ draft, so the photos are tough angle wise. Ill see if I can get hubby or kiddo to hold him and I'll take some from the truck.
No noticeable lameness issues with him, and this is the first I've noticed the difference. At first, I thought it was the way he was standing, but both toes pointed straight ahead.
Measuring stride is a good idea, too. at least gives me something to chat with the vet about. Its that time of year anyway....
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cynthia peterson
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Carissa, those are good answers too. And Seabocat, your horse most certainly could have gotten more dominate on one side and changed. Clarissa is most certainly right about the ribs, and that will still show up in your front leg stride length from side to side. And her suggestions to help were good also.
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Chablis
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I also agree with what Clarissa wrote. On the side your horse has more trouble bending to, often the horse will twist it's head in an effort to bring it around.
There will probably be limited range in the leg with the shoulder rotation as well. Compare the reach of this leg with the reach in the other front leg and note any difference.
The same leg with the shoulder rotation will often be put backwards when the horse grazes. See if your horse has any habits when grazing.
Hope it's all sorted soon.
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Clarissa
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I meant to add to check out DR Deb's website as she has a lot to say about rotated scapulas & balance/evenness etc.
She gives good diagrams which help you visualize what's going on inside. People often don't realize what the structures look like inside & can't understand easily how the withers can look so different on each side.
Have a look through the links I put in the links section of this forum as there are several that give good diagrams of equine anatomy also.
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sebocat
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Thanks for all of the help, looks like I have some reading to do. I like to be informed when te vet comes, so I can be intelligent enough to understand what is going on, and be a part of any treatments plans if they are needed.
The snow is melting, too. Its just another great excuse to get my butt outside!
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Horse Gypsy
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I have found Karen Rohlfs stuff to be the easiest to apply and understand in terms of creating straightness in your horse-- and it really works!
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