Anyone else got this problem?

[SJ_06]

My horses hind legs are both really swollen bellow the hock downwards(particuerly around the fetlock) they have been like this for a couple of days now and i cant work out what it is, he hasnt injured himself, and hes not lame but really stiff bless him

I have to add this is mostly after being in at night, when i bought him in from the field yesterday they had gone down slightly but after another night in there back.
unfortunatley he must stay in at night..

I have a feeling its some sort of virus? because like i said he has no cuts, injuries his legs are just filling out of the blue!

thanks.

 

[Fairynuff]

If hes well in himself and as you say, he is less swollen after hes been out during the day its probably a circulatory problem. You could try bandaging him at night. If this doesnt help then ask your vet. Many horses swell up if stabled but usually it goes down with exercise. Check if they are hot which could point to lymphangitis. Dont worry too much. Mairi.

 

[SJ_06]

Nah its not hot, I thought about bandaging but im worried he'll sweat under them? a friend has just said her vet told her alot of horses have got swollen hinds atm suggesting it might just be a virus... ahh confusing. Im going to get the vet if theres no change by monday.

 

[jojoebony]

One on our yard kept swelling overnight, would go down when turned out. Turned out to be some sort of build up from getting course mix whilst not being turned out or worked. Friend stopped the feed whilst he was in and problem has not reoccured?
She'd tried bandaging him but that made him worse he got lumpy swellings despite using gamgee!?

 

[Fairynuff]

Ive never had a problem with bandages and sweaty legs, not in the winter anyway. Try bandaging him for an hour or so and then check to see if hes overheating before leaving the yard, you can always take them off, Hope its not a nasty virus thats gotten to him

. Let us know what happens. Mairi.

 

[mitchellk]

If we have anything that has probs like this we usually associate it with circulation probs- so would make sure exercised regularly, bandaged and get some epsom salts in feed. Not saying thats it tho, difficult without seeing.- Only bandage if you are experienced, esp if leaving on over night as bad bandages can cause all sorts of other problems

 

[Petrie]

It can be too much protein in the diet. Have you changed his diet recently, or increased his feed/reduced his work?

Even a new batch of haylage can cause it, apparently.

Or could be some spring grass is starting to sprout?