horse cant get head down to eat

Question
Hi I read an article that u answered some time ago about a horse with a stiff neck. I too have a horse with a stiff neck.
It started Monday. I brought sonni (2 year old pure shire gelding) in from the field, put his feed bucket down on the floor. He promptly kicked it all over and generally messed with it. I told him off and let him finish it from the floor. He then was "playing" with the water and tipped it over. Again I told him off refilled it n left for the night thinking to myself how silly his behavior was.
Next morning I put his breakfast in (bucket on floor) and at this point I realized he wasn't quite right in himself. It was as if his rug was too tight or his legs were too long as hard as he tried he couldn't get down to his feed.
I promptly picked up his bucket and held it up while he ate. He was his usual hungry self. I watched him for a while, he was poking me and going through my pockets for treats but still very stiff through his neck. I called the vet for advice and she didn't seem to be very concerned as he wasnt unwell in himself.
On tuesday he was worse he was turning his whole body to look at me rather than his head, I asked the vet to come out and take a look at him. She took his temp 38.9 C said he had a viral infection and to keep an eye on him. he still wasn't unwell eating like a proverbial horse. She gave him a course bute and norodine he's been on this now for 4 days and there is no change. I take him out for a walk and offer him a pick of grass and he just looks at me then the grass then back at me as if to say "yes please, pass me some" he eats is when I pick it he just can't get his head that low. Please please advise I'm at a loss as to what is wrong.
When I suggest to the vet its as if his neck hurts she says yes his glands are sore, there is no swelling around his throat, there has however been slight swelling to his neck just below his larynx as if he's banged it or had a kick.
Thanks
Karen and of course sonni x

Answer
Karen,

I found your vet's attitude to be somewhat unacceptable, in my opinion.  I would strongly suggest you find an equine chiropractor and get him looked at ASAP.  He sounds very much like his neck is dislocated which would lead to the behavior you are observing.  Until you can get him looked at please put his feed and water where he can get to it.  He would benefit from some body work before the chiropractor to resolve any muscle issues he has from this too.  The adjustment will be done more easily and hold better if the muscles are taken care of first.  I've been preaching this to equine chiropractors here for years and some are actually heeding my advice!

Good luck with Sonnie, he sounds like a super guy.  Please let me know how this turns out, OK?

Lyn