How long before I should call the vet?

[horsegirl]

As I posted before my horse slipped in the school and fell over, he scraped his leg on the fence, just surface scrapes) and his fetlock was a bit swollen the next day. This was Saturday evening, he has been hosed everyday and just walked in hand for 5/10 mins, yesterday there was no swelling so I rode him gently about 25 mins of walk and a couple of short bursts of trot. His leg was a little puffy and slightly warm after this so I hosed it again and put on some cooling gel. Should I have called the vet or do you think I should just monitor for another few days?

 

[sammiea]

personally i would call the vet out. better to be safe than sorry

 

[vieshot]

Nah, just dont ride for a while and hose daily

 

[horsegirl]

hhmmm, so 1 for calling the vet and one for not calling the vet. Anyone else to be the decider?

 

[Tia]

I wouldn't - I'd just monitor for the next couple of days.

 

[AandK]

if he is not lame rest him for a few more days and then re-assess.. if you are worried then it might be worth giving your vet a call to see what they think before having them out..

 

[the watcher]

Personally I wouldn't call the vet - however if you are not certain and confident that you are treating it properly, the correct thing to do would be to call the vet, irrespective of what anybody here says, after all none of us can see the leg.

 

[horsegirl]

I am sure he will be fine, just wanted to check what the HHO opinion was. If it gets worse or is still warm/puffy in another couple of days I will get the vet.

 

[Jellicle]

I would keep hosing and walking him out. No need to call the vet yet IMO.

 

[vicm2509]

If its just a bit swollen and warm I wouldnt call the vet just yet. I would box rest and walk out in hand a few times daily and hose for about 20 mins 2-3 times a day (or an ice pack if you have one).

However if the swelling goes up massively or she starts to rest the front leg I would call the vet. You can expect it to look a little more swollen after she has been stood in the stable for a long period but this should reduce when you walk her out after about 10 mins.

 

[AmyMay]

I have been in a similar predicment with Thumper. Long story short - he jumped out of his field and bashed himself up good and proper. And was left with a huge knee and lacerations.

I monitored for two days - and was going to call on day three if there was no improvement. There was - so I didn't.

It may be wise to speak on the phone with your vet, as he may want him on a course of bute to reduce any inflamation that may be present.