“getting footy” is an old label for spring or fall time lameness.
What is actually going on here is the very first stage of laminitis.
This is the stage where the laminae are being painfully stretched.
Usually no digital pulses can be felt in this stage so owners don’t recognize it as the very last warning bell before the big disaster.
(If you feel digital pulses or your horse is standing rocked back you should be calling your vet Immediately)
The thing that is setting this off has to be changed immediately or founder and likely coffin bone rotation will follow.
Take them off the grass and the weeds, don’t vaccinate or deworm at this time, do Not feed any grain or treats, soak your hay, and don’t lock them up. Make sure they have the opportunity for non -forced movement and to consume loose salt.
(Also make sure there is not a walnut tree dropping things in their holding area or acorns within reach)
One of the saddest things ever is to hear an owner say, “oh he gets footy like that every fall.”
If that is so then the husbandry practices need to be changed because that’s not fair.
(none of these guys are-pic for attention)
