chipped bone in knee cap

[ace123]

Is it possible for a bone chip to work its way out through the skin 6 months after the injury ?
The injuy happened in May. Xray showed bone was chipped and now 6 months on the origanal wound has split open and pussy with heat and swelling. Vet checked this morning and thought it was the piece of bone working its way out. Given anti b's.
This seems like a long time between the injury happening and bone coming out.
What do you think ?

 

[supagran]

Have you had it xrayed yet? Our mare broke the bone in her knee just over 2 months ago, still on box rest, but starting walking in hand. There is a bone chip (think of an upside down "Y") - doesn't seem to have moved - been xrayed 3 times, but it is something I am worried about.

 

[ace123]

Hi
Yes it was xray'd and had a bone scan. The chips were very small. He was on box rest for 4 weeks then an hours turn out on small paddock , slowly increased until he destroyed the fencing and buggered off. All been fine until now. The vet was not worried about it and gave 5 days antibiotics . Normal turn out and see how it goes.
But i'm worried.

 

[glenruby]

It can happen certainly. What often happens is that there is constant discharge from the area (more common when there has been a skin wound too) long after the wound/injury shold have healed. Its due to the movement of the chip (possibly moving its way outwards - but this depends). Antibotics, anti inflams and bute may get the horse over it, but more likely repeat x rays/ultrasound +/- arthroscopy would be gold standard.