My horse can't stand up but is still eating. What should I do?

Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm not an equine or large animal veterinarian but many many things could be wrong with your horse. Dental issues come to mind but many other things need to be evaluated by your large animal veterinarian. I would advise calling your veterinarian and let them handle this case. This could be something easily remedied or more complicated. A good physical exam, history, and possible tests would provide light on what is going on. I'm sorry I can't be more specific but a hands-on exam is definitely a place to start. Thanks for using Pet Coach!

If she's not eating, she's eating painful, colicky, or both. Take a heart rate if you know how to do this--normal is 20-40 beats/minute. If it's higher than this, she's painful and needs to see a veterinarian. If she is rolling, looking at her sides, or not passing manure, she needs to see a vet as these are signs of colic. If you really think she's resting her hocks, then they are sore, and she needs xrays to see what kind of arthritis is going on and what steps you need to take to make her more comfortable. Hope that helps!

Check her temperature. If she has a fever, call out your farm vet. Potential causes include infection, vitamin/mineral deficiency (namely vitamin E and selenium), parasites (the most worrisome being meningeal worm) or trauma. Keep her warm and as stress free as possible. If necessary, rig up a sling to help her get around. The easiest is a towel slung underneath her behind the front limbs. Without an exam, it is difficult to determine definitively what is happening. If her symptoms are worsening, consider an emergency vet call out or trip to the nearest veterinary ER.

There are many possible reasons - spinal abscess, hip/pelvis injury, nerve damage, muscle weakness and even toxins such as lead can lead to such signs. A full neurological exam and blood tests to rule out infection and poisoning can be helpful to assess the possibility of recovery

Oh no, poor Spunky! She could have suffering trauma to her hips or spine causing her to be unable to stand up, or she could have a degenerative disease causing these symptoms. It is serious she can't stand, and she does need to see a vet for it. I would have her seen by a vet in the morning as it's good that she is eating and drinking. Rest her tonight, and keep her confined in a small room so she doesn't move around as much. In the morning, the vet can diagnose what is causing these problems and if there are treatment options for it.

If Butter is unable to or unwilling to rise, a veterinarian needs to examine him. This is particularly important if this has been going on for more than a day. The most common causes of unwillingness to rise are traumatic injury, debilitation from an infectious disease, or a neurologic condition. One condition somewhat common to alpacas and llamas that can cause this type of clinical signs is infestation with a parasite known as Parelaphostrongylus tenuis. It affects their central nervous system and can cause inflammation serious enough to cause neurologic signs. Your veterinarian may be able to determine if this parasite is the cause of the issues with a fecal test. A thorough physical exam by a vet familiar with camelids will be the only way to begin to figure out the cause of Butter's issues. Definitely seek a vet if things are not turning around very soon. Hope this helps.

She looks to be in pretty poor body condition. I would recommend calling out a vet to see what could be going on. Depending on her age, it could be related to major organ failure, simply poor nutrition, complications from the pregnancy, intestinal parasites, oral disease, etc.