ok so my horse is about 20 and was in rough sape when we got him 4 years ago and i have been noticing that when you make fast movements around his face he jerks his head back. and todqay when we went to go feeding he didnt eat all of his food and this horse is a pig HE ALWAYS EATS HIS FOOD AND LICKS THE BOTTOM! and its about 30 degrees outside. please help and tell me what you think because im not ready to say goodbye to him yet!
I 'm taking a blind shot at this, but my understanding is that when horses jerk their head away, usually abuse has occurred-they've been beaten. it takes a lot to get them to allow their face to be touched. there's far too many diseases that a lack of appetite manifests from. is he bloated? or showing too much rib? are there wounds on him? is he hobbled by injury? what amount of flies are bothering him (even a few are around in these temps). are his eyes draining? what condition are his ears in? will he let you touch him on other areas of his body? does any part of his body twitch under your hand? it hurts if it does. does he have any swellings? obvious cysts ? injuries under the hooves? does he have diarrhea or is his stool firm? all of these need checked, cold weather or no. and then there's the internal stuff that only a vet can check. if you check all of this and find nothing, then a vet must be called out.
i'd call the vet. tell them what the problem is, and if it's important he'll come or have you bring the horse in. and, they don't charge you just too call, you can always call just too be reassured.
It could be many things. Is he colicky? I'd call the vet out just to be sure. Make sure he has a blanket and a warm stall.
I dont know but if you are worried then call a vet. They will know for sure. Hope the horse is ok.
if this problem is as serious as you are making it seem i suggest you get off the computer and get some PROFESSIONAL help for your horse.
I have a horse.
