Advice need ASAP!

showjump

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My horses legs have been abit filled all this week, and i just put it down to him coming in every night.

Yesterday night they were more swelled, so i hibiscrubed them as thought it could be mud fever, there were only afew scabs tho.

This morning they are like elephants legs, from the knee down, and very warm? Should i turn him out? Hose them? Get vet? What could cause this, im thinking a reaction?

All ideas appreciated.
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I suspect it probably is mud fever. If very swollen, then vet might be required (for Ab's), in the mean time, try to keep his legs dry and off any mud.
 
if he is not lame or sore id take him for a little walk or turn out in a little paddock for a while to see if it comes down with walking if it doesnt id ring vet for advice,keep his legs dry and away from any mud
 
Sorry only just got back.

He isnt lame, but is very sore, and the legs are very hot. I hacked him yesterday and the swelling didnt come down, but they wernt as sweld as they are now.

He has been in the play pan all morning, and it hasnt made up difference?

Do you think he needs the vet?

Thanks everyone.
 
Have you cold hosed? seeing as they haven't gone down with exercise and they are sore, I would definitely speak to a vet. "normal" filled legs would have gone down quickly with exercise.
 
Cellulitis, will probably need antibiotic, walking should help and reduce hard feed completely and give a bran mash with epsom salts.Bandaging may help but you do need the vet to visit as the longer they are swollen the longer it will take to get over it. It is probably linked to the mudfever.Massage is also good working up the leg.
 
IS HE LAME?
it could be anything really-he could be sensitive to hibiscrub-was it diluted?have you used it before?
he could have mud fever
he could have cellulitis
heat in the legs could indicate infection-this wqould also fit with the increasing swelling,although usually they are sore and lame too.
i would call the vet and walk him round if possible to try to reduce the swelling-the vet will probably say cold hose and dry a few times a day and give bute and possibly antibiotics depending what he thinks it is.
 
Get the vet to come in and ascertain the situation. The vet should flex the horse alround, see him trot in a straight line and then on the lunge and on both hard and soft surfaces.

Don't mask the pain with any drugs - its got to be investigated properly.
 
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