Fat Hind Legs, advice required

[Fiona_C]

Was told by another livery that Bud had a fat hind, went up to investigate and found both hinds were filled upto his hocks, no heat, not sensitive to the touch and no lameness. Bud was stood grazing away quite happily and was his usual self, no changes that I could detect.

Brought him in and cold hosed both legs for approx 20mins, trotted him up and the swelling had subsided a little. They have gone from no turnout due to the weather, to a few days of 2 hours max to suddenly 24/7. I can only assume that the protein in the grass has given him a reaction (had the same thing happen 5 yrs ago when he was moved from old pasture to very rich new pasture). Horse is sugar / cereal intolerant at the best of times.

Was debating whether to keep in overnight with a deep bed and haynet, taking into mind movement would be far less then out in the field. In the end I put him back out where he walked/trotted off to find his friends, movement is AoK and as said, he is happy in himself.

Unable to free school (yard rules) or ride at mo as currently nursing fractured elbow, but could get my daughter to lightly lunge him to see if that reduces filling.

Does this sound cellulitus/lymphangitis symptoms to anyone? His glands in his neck were also up slightly feeling like mini golf balls. Would it be worthwhile putting a grazing muzzle on him?

Thank you for reading and cookies for getting this far.

 

[Andalucian]

Hmmm, it sounds like cellulitis or lymphangitis on description, but its a weird time of year for it, so it might be grazing related??? I'd definitely be calling a vet. Turn out is great for the first two - the more movement the better, but I dont know about grazing induced swollen legs, and it might be the wrong decision in that case. Give them a call.

 

[Frozen Hoof Boots]

My horse had this recently. Is there a cut anywhere? Cellulitis is where there is a cut but if not prob is lymphangitis. Does he have a temp to see if fighting an infection? Is a vets callout in my book as Vet would normally give antib, steroid and bute. Need to keep hosing, moving about and stable bandage overnight was what I was told by my vet when it happened. Need to get that swelling down. My boy was paralyzed as his hinds were like stovepipes and he had a temp. It went after 3 days but was told could come back.

 

[Fiona_C]

Thank you for replies, I'm pleased to report that his legs have gone down completely as has his throat. Lunged lightly tonight and he was pinging around like a loon.
Safe to say he is now back to normal.