Q & A

Q: Why do my pony’s legs sometimes swell up overnight?

A: A pony’s heart pumps blood around his body. Movement helps him move this blood even more effectively, as when the pony is moving, and his foot hits the ground, the blood is squeezed back up the legs and back to the heart much more efficiently.

This means that when your pony has to stand still for an extended period of time, like in the stable overnight, the blood isn’t moved as efficiently around his body. This allows fluid to build up in the legs, usually around the fetlocks, causing puffiness.

This generally isn’t anything to worry about, but call your vet for advice if the swelling doesn’t go down when your pony starts to move again, or your pony is lame, or his legs feel hot.

Q: What colour should my pony’s mucous membranes be?

A: Your pony’s mucous membranes are found on his gums, in his nostrils and on the inside of his eyelids. They can be very helpful indicators of health. s of health.

Mucous membranes should all be salmon pink in colour, and any colourcolour, and any colour change should prompt an urgent call to the vet.

• Pale pink can suggest shock. • Red can suggest toxicity. • eBlue or purple means the oxygen levels are low in the blood. • Yellow suggests issues in the liver. • Any streaks of red or small red spots are signs of infection. signs

Q: Why is physiotherapy good for my pony?

A: Physiotherapy can help your pony to move more freely and to have reduced discomfort from musculoskeletal problems. The aim is to make your pony feel his best and avoid injuries.

Physiotherapists try to work out where the restrictions are in your pony’s range of movement, where he is experiencing pain, or how they can help him perform at his best. They will also try to work out where these issues come from.

They will then start to try and address the symptoms in his body. This usually involves massage, mobilisation and stretching. Your physio is likely to prescribe a set of exercises and stretches for you to do with your pony to help you continue working on his issues after the sessions.

Basically, physiotherapy is designed to help your pony to feel his best!