filled hind legs whilst on box rest, thoughts please

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luckyjac

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Hi all, my horse has been on box rest for 11 days now due to an unfortunate fall on the road leading to broken knees, have been very lucky that the joint was not affected, but since on box rest her hind legs have become filled/swollen, I know this is to be expected but could this problem become greater than the initial injury, I am the worlds worst worrier and terrified shes going to get lymphangitis or something else. Vet is expecting her to be on box rest for another week or so, I have been bandaging which doesnt seem to be helping. She obviously needs to be immobolised to help healing of knees, i have considered taking her out for a walk as surely that cant open the wound anymore than her walking around her stable? or laying down? as she frequently does but worried she will fall again (no reason for her to do so, but would be just my luck) What are everyones thoughts? am I worrying unnecessarily and just get on with the box rest and ignore the puffy legs? thanks x
 
Could try magnetic boots, I find they help keep the legs from puffing up. Or cold hosing.

I wouldn't walk her too much if she's in heavy bandages as the bandages will rub or create pressure sores but I would have thought a bit of hand grazing would be o.k.

Good luck, box rest sucks!
 
Humus from lack of exercise and not enough circulation, search Cupiss on the net horse requisites sell it, it is a natural diuretic esp for horses on box rest, smells divine too. Filled legs is uncomfortable and can also lead to other problems if left too long, put on stable bandages.
 
My boy went down on the road last weekend and was on box rest, he started to get filled hinds too from lack of movement but the difference was that my vet positively wanted me to get him moving but just to keep the wounds clean so walking in hand allowed as it was supposed to prevent leisons forming and reduce scaring.

I've now turned him back out as the scabs are well enough formed that they're protecting the wound with the help of some dressing.

Guess it depends on how deep the wounds are as to how much you can do and how soon - well worth having a chat with your vet though, hope your girlies is on the mend soon :)
 
Polly Peewee...what dressing has your horse got on now then and what did you have originally? thanks for your well wishes, I hope your boy mends quickly too, will you ride in knee boots now? x
 
we're using aluspray which is an aerosol spray that forms a sort of second skin over the wound, seems to be working well and lasts 24-48hrs before I have to wash it off and redo it, been using it all along but fortunately his cuts aren't massively deep so nothing that looked like it might need stitching.

not sure about using knee boots, he's not done anything like it before and don't really want to get into the habit of wrapping him in cotton wool so expect we'll just get on with it... until I woose out!
 
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