Argh, one thing after another! Swollen fetlocks

[TT55]

So after the whole saga with the wither abscess and folliculitis (we were just about to start putting a saddle on again), we have had another setback

I won't go into too much detail, but basically my stress head mare got herself in a tizz and ended up tearing round the arena yesterday, lead rope flailing. Wouldn't stop for what seemed like an age and managed to knock herself on the arena walls. When she finally stopped, she was dripping sweat and shaking... I cooled her down and she seemed a bit shook up but otherwise ok, so I left her for the night.

Went to the yard this morning and she comes out of the stable, not only lame, but also showing symptoms of colic. Luckily the vet was due to turn up for another horse in 15 mins... he told me to walk her (due to the colic signs) while he attended to the other horse. The walking managed to get rid of the colic symptoms and vet gave her the all clear in that respect, but turns out the silly horse is now lame on not 1, not 2 but 3 legs!!!

She's weight bearing on all of them, but clearly uncomfortable and there is swelling in her fetlocks and one of her front knees. Vet wasn't too worried as she had no pain response to his examination and they weren't excessively hot...he just prescribed 2 days box rest with danilon and to start walking her out on Saturday to see how she is.

I'm so upset, all this wouldn't have happened if I wouldn't have let go of the lead rope when she panicked

Not really sure where I am going with this post, but just wanted to vent.

If anyone has any advice on how I can help her along, I will be grateful... arnica? cold hosing?

I'm really hoping it's not too serious and tomorrow I will go to the yard and she will be fine!

 

[be positive]

Cold hosing should take the sting and heat out of them as well as help reduce the swelling, I would be reluctant to keep her on total box rest as they, if she is sensible, should go down with walking around a paddock or just gentle walking in hand a few times each day, whereas shut 24/7 in they will probably fill even more and she may get really stiff as well as the risk of further colic if she stresses being in, obviously if there is a chance of the damage being more than superficial she is safer in until the vet looks again but I would have expected her to respond today if there was anything serious going on.

 

[TT55]

Thanks for your reply.

I cold hosed twice yesterday and will do so again today.

Unfortunately, she is not sensible, so turning out is not an option. She has been in all winter (she she panics with a rug on in the field and is clipped in full work) so I doubt that was what caused the colic. The vet said probably the stress of the incident or the pain most likely caused it. I will have to walk her out to the tie up area today anyway so will see how she is looking...

Bloomin' horses...!

 

[TT55]

Swelling has mostly gone today but she is still sore on the near side legs... but better than yesterday. No heat anywhere except near hind fetlock, which went with hosing. Fingers crossed she'll be alright in a few days and we can be back on track for starting riding next week!