Grains Get Both
Is my horse having a reaction to a sedative?
I got a new horse and Tuesday the vet came out to give him his shots and a dental. He was given a sedative for the dental and was a little slow for the rest of the day(expected). The next day he was acting strange, he just followed my mare around (she usually follows him) the pasture and wasn't grazing. When I did see him attempted to graze it looked like it was difficult for him to lower his head. It was done with real slow motion almost like he was sore. Could it be that his neck is just sore from getting shots or is it a side effect from the sedative? My other two horses had sedatives and dental work done as well with no troubles. I have a call into the vet but am waiting for a response. Has any one heard of this before or seen it first hand? Thanks!
Oh also, he is eating all his hay and grain at both feedings but his water intake seems to have diminished some.
Just wanted to add that the injection sites show no signs of swelling or heat.
I wouldn't be overly worried since he may have pulled a muscle during the procedure, or one of the shots may have affected a nerve in his neck and be bothering him. Some horses react differently to the medication and don't excrete it as rapidly, but it wouldn't usually still be affecting him today. I think it is good to have a talk with the vet just to be sure, but if the horse is eating well I doubt it is anything to worry about. Just watch his water intake to be sure it resumes normally. Also, if any signs of colic develop, which is always something to watch for when a horse acts differently from his norm, and especially if he isn't drinking fluids, be sure to remove his feed and call the vet right away.
Stray Ghost - Grains and Waves
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