Legs filling up when in stable

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hayleymitch

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I just thought i would get a few answers of you guys if any of u have had this b4.
Bud is only 4 and has been living out all summer and just been coming in the odd night, but when ever he comes in overnight, all 4 legs really fill up.
I have known this quite common 4 the older horse but never heard of it b4 with a youngster, should i be worried?????
I know it will be obviously because he is used to being out and about around the field and its because he is now stuck in, but like i said, just think its strange in a youngster.
They do go down as soon as he is exerciced.
 
My mares legs used to fill up especially backs when she started to come in at winter after being out 24/7 over summer it normally settles after a few weeks I think its just the transition of being able to mooch about as and when and then being confined I don't think age is relevant as it happens to lots on the yard I would be worried tho if it didnt go down with exercise
 
My horses hing legs fill up when he's in...and my youngers ones do aswell, Your right, its because he's not moving around so much. If you know hes going to be in over night, and you know they're going to fill, wrap and gamgee and bandage around each leg. The pressure will help keep the bloos circulating and reduce to much filling.
 
Be a little bit careful with the bandaging, I used to do this also, but I have read some articles recently in Germany where they have been doing some research on filled legs / lymphangitis and what came out of it was that it was not a good thing to bandage the legs, the filling is due to the lack of movement and the fact that the lymph tends to 'settle' in the legs.. bandaging definately seems to support this short term, but the research was saying that the external bandaging made the vessels less able in the long term to function correctly... It was a while ago that I read the article and will try to find it again (or better still an english version).
As I said before, I definately used to bandage when legs filled, but not sure if I would do this any more..

if I find something in English will post the link.. it was definately an interesting read.
 
Two of my horses back legs do this from time to time in the stable and I bought a set of magnetic boots last month and they are super and the legs go down instantly and dont appear to fill up again over night I use them most days on them for a couple of hours before riding and I am not getting any problems.
 
Just to say - thanks so so much for this thread!

My babies legs were all puffy yesterday after being in (he's practically never in, but had been in all day and night) and I was absolutely terrified! They went down pretty much as soon as he walked out the stable, but I've been crying all night and today worrying about it!

Thank you!
 
My TB used to do this and I spent a whole winter bandaging (which I didnt like doing as I felt he might start to rely on them), until I discovered nettles! Sounds strange, but I did loads of research on nettles and they act as like a blood tonic to increase circulation. So armed with a pair of scissors, some strong gloves and an old supplement tub I went out and cut some nettles then chopped them up into little bits in my tub. Then left them a day or so to dry up, and fed them! Can honestly say I never looked back. His legs never filled up again and he loved having dry nettles in his dinner!

NB: Obviously be careful where you get your nettles from that they have not been sprayed with anything!
 
Well never heard that one before will pass the tip on
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but wont be able to use it myself as my mare is allergic to em she swells like a balloon will just have to stick to the magnetic boots
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How Bizzzzzzzare...

It must be the time of year for this!! Given that they are starting to be put in over night. I was having the same conversation last night with my sister about her 4 year old warmblood x TB...
 
We have huge pens and even some of our horses have filled hinds in a morning. Nothing to worry about, so long as the filling dissipates with exercise
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I certainly do not advocate bandaging either.
 
Thanks guys u have put my mind at rest anyway looks like we all think the same and thats its common.
i have never heard of feeding nettles b4, i would feel bad giving him them incase they hurt his mouth, yes i know i am being stupid n soft just thing not a very nice thing to feed, but i might try that one.
cheers guys
 
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