Advice needed on Hot & Cold Compress and swollen leg

[Twelve47]

TB gelding came in from field on sunday very stiff and reluctant to move. Put it down to the cold wet miserable downpour that had just happened. Yesterday morning complete near fore up like a balloon. Hoof normal temperature to touch, no marks on leg, no thorns that i can see, no nothing. All i can put it down to is that he may have sprained it or slipped in the field. Started 20 mins of cold hosing twice daily and put on anti-inflams. This evening thinking about starting hot compresses followed by cold hosing. How long should i do the hot compresses for? He is only being brought out of the stable for the hosing for the time being, hoping to start him slowly walking in the next day or so. He's happy in himself and is eating fine. All advice and suggestions would be gratefully received. Thanks

 

[be positive]

I would be using cold only, if he has pulled something you want to get it cooled not heat it up, unless it goes down quickly and is just a knock this could be a pulled tendon and require veterinary treatment, scanning etc so you know what you really are dealing with.

 

[dianchi]

Probably actually better for controlled turnout so that he is moving around him self, if he is stiff giing him still is worse.