Fetlock strain/teust

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Poppy2003

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Horse trotted over very lame few days ago. Did all normal checks, picked feet out etc and left out as was his day off. Ground round our way is very hard and rutty so didn't think too much.
Next morning still lame when he trotted over so got the vet. No heat or obvious swelling in leg or foot so vet said probably twisted or strained his fetlock in field as ground very hard and rutty. Box rest with Bute for a few days and see. He has spavins so I asked if I could field rest him instead which vet said was fine but keep away from bad ground.
Today he is still very lame and in walk too. He is weight bearing and seems better or softer ground.
So I have brought him in.
The vet didn't seem too concerned. I am becoming increasingly concerned as to how lame he his.
Anyone had this? Does it just get better after a few days rest? Or is it something more serious?
 
I did think abscess but no obvious heat in foot and he has no shoes on and it's so so dry here it's not really abscess weather. It did cross my mind tho. Vet didn't think so
 
I certainly not trying to contradict your Vet, however with a fetlock strain I would expect heat and swelling.

I always, always start with the foot when they are lame unless there is an obvious reason higher up.

I would still ask your farrier to test the hooves for sore spots first.
 
Well, back in early March my horse came up inexplicably lame (front left) whilst we were walking out on a hack, on the day he was due to have his annual vaccinations so vet was first to see him. Vet thought it had to be an abscess, but couldn't get a reaction from hoof testers or digging around. Farrier saw him a few days later and definitely ruled out abscess, soul bruise or anything like that.

Horse was still very lame at this point. Vet returned and nerve blocks, says it's defintely something below the fetlock, I was convinced at this point it was ddft related. Vet said let's do xrays first then follow up with scan if required. Xrays revealed nothing so we agree to 2 weeks of danilon and restricted turnout, and then take off the danilon reassess after which he was still slightly off but much improved. Began to walk him out and put him back out in normal field, another 2 weeks of danilon and he came off it and was sound. So whatever he tweaked took from early March until mid April to put right. If it goes again, I'll ask for a scan straight away, and we are taking it slowly. Hope that helps.
 
He probably is lame enough for it to be an abscess but is it something he would get being barefoot and exceptionally dry weather?
There is no way I could get the farrier till after the bank holiday now. Could I maybe hot tub his hoof etc to see if I can notice anything?
The vet said there was a slight thickening of the tendon compared to the other but not obvious heat and no obvious swelling

Skint- glad yours has come good. Maybe they do just get over these things?
 
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