Nerving

[absolut_rush]

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to know if there were any horsepeople out there who had experience with nerving. Whether they knew a horse who had it done, or their horse has gone through with the surgery. Thanks :)

EDIT: I'm considering getting my horse nerved because he has Navicular, and I have literally done just about everything I can for him.

Comments

[just_believe]

I had my horses tail nerve blocked. Worst decision EVER. My trainer wanted to block it cause he would itch it and swish it around when jumping at the shows -- it only made it worse. Never again.

[absolut_rush]

Oh yikes. Tail swishing is usually a sign of discomfort...anywhere from their teeth to their back (not just the actual tail) So I can understand why it has made it worse. I'm sorry :(

[just_believe]

It wore off. He also had bad allergies and would rub his tail (to the point of bleeding and rawness) -- so they though it would curb that. Just made it worse. My poor dude.

He's fine now, but never ever again. We're pretty sure the tail swishing is just something he does cause he's happy (like a dog), he also sticks his tongue out when we're jumping.

[absolut_rush]

I used to have a horse that stuck out his tongue! It was pretty funny. He would actually only do it when you were using your hands too much...he helped me find soft hands :)

[i_luv_pippin]

There was a horse at my Mom's old barn back in Michigan who got that done because he had (i think) navicular as well. Somehow when he was out in pasture he hurt himself on something and no one knew because they couldn't tell and later he got seriously injured because of what he did to his foot and ended up just being put to pasture for good. My friend had a mare who got fouder and her trainer kept saying to nerve block it but she decided not to and just retired her young.

I personally have no experience with it, i've never gotten it done. But it's your choice. Just make sure you really look into it (I'm sure you have) because i've heard in some cases it can cause more damage than good.

[spazzy444]

my trainer has a gelding that has navicular and gave him a partial nerve block. He is fantastic! They leave the eggbar shoes on him to keep the bone from moving, but he hasn't been lame since.

[absolut_rush]

Wow, congratulations to you and your horse! That is fantastic

[penella22]

I don't know if anyone else has mentioned this, but barefoot trimming is sometimes very helpful for horses with navicular changes. Recently, there was this post right here in equestrian about navicular and barefoot trimming.

Just an alternative to consider before retiring or nerving your horse. Good luck finding a solution that works for both of you.