The Horse Forum banner
Status
Not open for further replies.

Leg injury??

2K views 5 replies 6 participants last post by  my2geldings 
#1 ·
Hello...I haven't posted here in a long time, life got busy! But I have a question and I was really hoping for your guys' advice!

A couple weeks ago while I was brushing my horses Mercedes down, I noticed that her back right leg along her canon bone was swollen...there wasn't much heat yet, but I stuck her in a stall for the night. I came out the next day, cold hosed it...the swelling was worse and there was more heat. I called the vet to come out but they were very low on staff and couldn't make it out until the next day. So I put her on bute and left her in a stall. By the time the vets got there, the swelling was down considerably but I wanted them to check her out anyways, what do I know, right? Well the stupid thing wouldn't let the vets TOUCH her! She hates needles and so recently...whenever a vet comes out, she freaks out. Prances, runs in circles...they can't even get near her to knock her out so they can look at her!

So anyways, the vet had me trot her out but she said she looked fine, but obviously, she had been on bute for 2 days so she wouldn't feel the pain much, so the vet suggested putting a sweat wrap on her for 2 days and then turning her out and she how it goes. I did that, the swelling stayed away, no heat...turned her out and she seems fine. It's been like a week now, but she has a small knot it seems on the inside of her leg and just above her fetlock it is puffy..like soft. It's not swelling, it's just softer than it usually is. It could be nothing, but I am such a paranoid mom...lol. What do you guys think? I thought maybe doing another round of the sweat wrap to see if it brings that knot down but I'm not sure. Should I call the vet and risk a kick in the face? :oops:

I don't know what else to do! It doesn't seem to bother her much, sometimes when I lunge (i've done it once since her injury) she will freak out and start hopping weird, but I don't know if that has more to do with being in such a small space rather than it actually does with bothering her leg? I appreciate any sort of advice!
 
See less See more
#2 ·
Some people may disagree, but if my horse has a swollen leg, I tend to just treat it myself at home. Don't get me wrong, I don't put my horse's wellbeing at risk, I just don't think its necessary to call the vet for a swollen leg that was probably caused by a minor injury. I don't think that there's much the vet can do anyway. Plus, calling the vet is going to cause your horse serious distress, Its probably not in her best interest unless she's clearly in pain or suffering.

The treatmet you can provide her is much the same as if it was your own leg. If you had the same problem with your own leg, you'duse RICE treatment (rest, ice, compression, elevation). Do the same with your horse (not elevation though lol) and I'm sure she'll get better. However, if its not getting better within a reasonable time period, I'd definately ring the vet.

Or, if she's currently very lame and not bearing weight on the leg or your very worried, I'd call the vet. But the information you've given, I'd just wait and let nature do the healing if your horse isn't suffering.
 
#4 ·
I agree with sempre_cantando, If its just a normal swelling and leg injury make sure you wash it down with water and wrap it up, if there is no improvment i would consider calling a vet and asking over the phone and if they tink they should come and have a look fair be it. But always think of your horses well being and if the vet coming to look will cause more stress then it should i would think of another way or sorting it. Good luck though and hope your horse gets better :)
 
#5 ·
Have you tried using DMSO or MSM on leg? I used on mine couple years back when she had swollen leg for no reason and it worked. However you MUST be sure there are no cuts or anything before using it.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Top