5 mo old colt

Question
Hello Suddenly 2 days ago my 5 month colt has turned unsound/lame.  He is favoring his back right leg/hip.  Could he have gotten kicked/nail/abscesses/ bruise/growing too fast.  He is huge, defined and has a wonderful disposition. I am unsure what happened and how he got this way.:( When I cam home from work the boarders told me to come see what happened. He is my baby and the most beautiful horse.  He has seemed to "let up" on limping somewhat, he canters, trots.  He is a bit more "stiff" s  I have tried stretches for a bit, he doesn't seem to mind.  I checked and rechecked to see if I could see or feel anything unusual to my naked eye. I will call the vet.  I do want your advice.  I am getting ready to wean him and will not do so until I know he is back 100% I pray he will be o.k.
Thank you so much,
Amy

Answer
HELLO AMY...THANKS FOR YOUR QUESTION...

Being 5 months old, and IF he's running with other horses...ANYTHING is possible!!
The fact that it seems to have "eased up" a bit is a good sign. I would give him a total
of 4/5 days and if there was not a BIG improvement...the veterinarian should be called for sure.

I WOULD NOT encourage exercise or stretch his limbs because you don't know what damage you're
doing. If he has a strain muscle/tendon/ligament ANYTHING forced would only make it worse.
It is best to allow him to ease around and you monitor him as much and often as possible.

As far as weaning him...especially the fact he has a big body. At his age he's probably already
eating with his momma so weaning him won't be a big deal. Sore or not won't be a problem.

You mentioned "growing too fast". One limb or area being sore, wouldn't be from that...but...
if he's getting too much proteins, many big colts can develop joint problems such as OCD
or ephysitis, which is inflammation of the growth seals and joints.
BIG growthy colts/fillies are fine, but you just don't want "fat heavy babies" !!
Too many additional problems can occur later as they grow. Too much weight on a growing foal
can have irreversible problems and stress on their limbs and joints.

Also...horses don't "diet"...at least not well. So it is very difficult to "cut" weight later
as they grow. Exercise is needed but heavy bodies on young,soft joints and limbs are a "disaster" looking for a place to happen. Just a word to the wise !!

Best to You...
Joepaul Meyers, C.J.F.