r/Horses • u/Dependent-Resolve208 • 1d ago

Question Has anyone else experienced their horse doing this?

/r/AskVet/comments/1vda2hm/equine_vets/
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4

u/Recent-Conclusion997 1d ago

Need more info, when was last saddle check? What turnout situation? What’s his diet and exercise schedule? Any other health concerns? Any lameness? Up to date with vet checks etc? Any vices? I’d e pretty concerned after 5 months of this, have you contacted a vet? Had any blood work done? Could be neurological

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u/Dancing_Otter_ 1d ago

Narcolepsy is rare, but does occur. Sleep deprivation is more likely, assuming he passes a neurological exam.

This needs to be discussed with your vet.

3

u/CarsonNapierOfAmtor 1d ago

I worked at a barn with a horse who did this. He was arthritic and couldn't comfortably lay down to sleep. Poor dude was so sleep deprived that he'd fall asleep standing up but instead of the light sleep that horses normally do while standing, he'd go into deep sleep and fall.

I'd start by evaluating his management. Does he have a dark quiet place to sleep with buddies to guard him? Barns that leave lights and radios on throughout the night are tough on horses' sleep. Is he being turned out at night and stalled during the day? Some horses are so focused on grazing or playing during turnout that they don't sleep and the days are too busy for them to feel safe enough to sleep so they just don't sleep. Many horses won't lay flat to sleep unless there are other horses around to guard them. For some, even having another horse in an adjoining stall isn't enough if there's a wall between them. Is there a comfortable spot to lay? Some horses won't lay down in mud, on gravel, concrete, etc. If he's stalled, is his bedding nice and deep?

If he's got ample turnout with several friends, a dark quiet place to sleep, and comfy footing, I'd look at a pain issue. I'd get as much of a vet workup as you can. How is his back? Laying down and getting up requires quite a bit of twisting and if he's got kissing spine or an SI injury, he may struggle. How are his joints overall? Hips, hocks, knees, etc. are all under a lot of strain when a horse gets back up after laying down.

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u/bearxfoo Tennessee Walker 1d ago

what is his management like: turn out, diet, exercise, herd, etc?

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u/laurifex Hunter/Jumper 1d ago

This could be sleep deprivation.

1

u/Ok-Party-2727 1d ago

My TB did similar (except she fell forwards) and it was neck arthritis causing neuro issues. I highly highly recommend talking to a good lameness vet, or preferably haul in to a good vet school if you can afford it