fluid around the hock

I have fallen in love with horse to replace Vega with.

The only caution flag that came up is his right hock has fluid around it. He either hit it against a wall in his stall, or did something to it if he layed down (underneath the shavings in concrete)

He's not lame on it or anything, but it's there.
I am definitely going to want to get a pre-purchase exam on him, but I want to ride him more and see how he is on different days and stuff like that before I decide that I really do want to buy him.

He also doesn't get a lot of turnout so he's in his stall pretty much all the time.
Could him being confined prevent the fluid from going down?

What long term side effects would/could there be? Is there anything else I should be concerned about?

Yes if he is being confined without a lot of turnout that can prevent it from going down.

See if you can have him turned out for a couple of days and see what happens, but def get the pre-purchase exam.

Oh yeah, i'm definitely going to do that, without a doubt.

I know she also allows a 14 day trial... think if I brought him to where I board that before 2 weeks, the swelling will go down?

Only a vet would be able to tell you if it will go down and if it will go down permanently. Usually with an injury like that it will. If not, you can have it drained. I suggest an x-ray of that hock.

Thanks for saying I should get an x-ray of it!

I think i'll go over and talk to the woman and tell her my concern with his hock and see if we can work something out.. with me trading Vega.

Other than that, he's perfect for me, and we clicked too :)

In a lot of sales contracts, there's a clause that either all the vet checks have to be done before you take possession of the horse or in some cases you have 72 hours from when you take him to have him checked. In either case, make sure you have a contract.

I would definitely make sure I have a contract, both with me taking George and with her taking Vega.

I'm going to head over to their tack shop to a. Look at saddles for myself and b. To ask about vet checks and contracts.

Glad you found a good horse, Appy!
The pre-purchase exam is a good idea, but I agree...an x-ray would also be good. Just to be safe!

After getting Gem and Vega and realizing (after of course) that it's always good to get a pre-purchase, i'm definitely going to be doing it this time around.

And I didn't think to get that hock x-rayed, so i'm glad to know that I should.

I really hope this guy works out.