Innocent abrasion takes a turn/If only Walka could talk

We've all been there. And it had been a while since I have. But it all comes rushing back doesn't it? That questioning of whether to call the vet or wait it out.

Well, Walka somehow injured himself early Wednesday morning. After entering their paddock to feed and clean, I noticed that both horses where a bit unsettled. Took each a few moments to settle and eat their feed. After they did, I took a look at each as I always do, scanning for anything that shouldn't be there.

Walka had an abrasion about 3 inches long and a half inch wide just below his right front leg chestnut. It looked smooth, and was already coagulating, so I didn't think much about it other then how in the world did he do this?

That night he was fine, no swelling and the abrasion had scabbed over. So far so good, right?

Next morning , this is now Thursday, his leg from the knee down is swollen. Great. Of course this is the day I'm working 10 hours. He appeared himself, hungry and in my back pocket as usual. Felt the leg, warm. Of course you have to expect some heat during the healing process, but the swelling rattled me. Iced him, and hoped for the best.

That night I checked him, no worse, but no better. Still himself, eating fine and not showing any lameness or favoring that leg. Iced him, and again hoped for the best, went to get a restless night sleep.

Next morning leg the same, no worse. Decided to call the vet while at work. Short day, so if vet needed to come out, I could meet him there after 2. Game plan set.

Got home, no change, better or worse, and put the hot packs to the leg per ordered by the vet. Got 3 treatments in, Walka was very cooperative and checked mobility of leg again. No problems.

Next morning, Saturday, got 3 more treatments in and called the vet to let him know the progress. Swelling had finally gone down by 1/2, and looked good. Vet felt that 1 more treatment of hot packing and he'd be fine. Didn't sound like any infection, probably trauma to the leg.

Today, looking even better. Thank god!

Don't you all wish they could just tell us what happened and how they are feeling? Would make everything so much easier then deciphering everything.

So, for those who have read this, have you also had moments that you are questioning your original plan, and of course it's always on the weekend or when you are having to leave for work? I would love to know that I'm not the only one. I wouldn't leave my horses if I feel that they are in dire straits, but if they are eating and their demeanor is normal, well, I have to work.

And let me say, I love my vet! He is always there for me and trusts me. Means the world to me.

Ugh poor thing. I do not have horses yet but have been through this with my other animals (mainly the ferrets and dogs). As for injuries, the dogs seem to be the worse with getting hurt and we question "is this an emergency or will they be ok?" Its tough to deal with especially when you work as the only thing on your mind is the pet ;) Sounds like you have an amazing vet. I hope the vet we choose for our horses is like our vet for our dogs (just like yours) who we trust not to give unnecessary treatments just for money :)

Any ideas on what could have caused it?

Welcome to the forum Pawzaddict! As far as piecing together what might have happened, think we (hubby and myself) may have done that.

Out in the paddock there is an area of deep crusty snow. You can see where someone's (most likely Walka) front leg went in way deep and slipped forward. He probably tried to pull it out, slipped and maybe in his panic, clipped his leg with one of his back hooves or even his left front. That's the only place out there that shows any possibility of doing this.

Would also explain why both he and my mare were a bit unnerved. If he went into a panic, T , my mare, would have been a bit shaken too, since she is sight challenged and relies on him to alert her to anything.

Of course if he could talk, there would be no detective work needed.

Aw poor thing :( At least it is ok. I hear ya on wishing they could talk! However I don't think my house would be livable lol