Lower suspensory damage - hind legs

[robthecob]

Hi all, unfortunately I am no stranger to asking for veterinary advice but it's been a while

I have done some searching round the net on lower suspensory damage but I can't find information that is a perfect match to my situation so bear with me

I had the vet today for my mare as her left hind was filling over night. It goes down to almost normal after turnout / exercise but there is still some swelling either side of the fetlock ( so the leg looks fat from behind ) and the pastern remains a bit swollen too. She is sound and working well on all ground.

I was hoping we were dealing with sensitive to mud legs as I have been dealing with some mud fever on that leg. However the vet today said he couldn't rule out damage to the lower suspensory branches. I have experience of high suspensory damage (lucky me) but nothing of low suspensory. With the high suspensorys there was a reluctance to go forward in the school and lameness where as I there is no evidence of this at the moment.

My vet has told me he wants to reasses in a week and in the mean time he wants me to carry on turning out (even though my field gates are deep mud) and to pressure bandage at night to disperse the swelling then to see where we are at.

Does this sound ok? Im reading that it's important to box rest, bute to reduce swelling and cold hose. Non of these have been recommended whilst we are unsure yet what we are dealing with I'm scared of doing more damage. I know my vets plan is if after a week the swelling is still there to come out and have a good feel and possibly scan. He did feel today and could not get a pain reaction and also pronounced her sound but he said he couldn't get a feel of the ligaments because of the swelling (which was worse as the horse was seen this morning after 12 hours stabled)

Does anyone have any information? I'm obviously worried that the swelling is remaining in the pastern and either side of the fetlock which seems to be the right location for that injury, but the fact that there is no lameness seems to go against all the Internet reading.

Any info welcome, isnt it annoying all your questions come after you put the phone down to the vet. The practice is well respected and my vet is lovely so I have no problem questioning them with any info I find.

If everyone could pray its just over sensitive pink legs that would be ace not asking for much am I

 

[Bubbles]

My last horse had desmitis of the suspensory ligament branches, and there was never any swelling or heat, nor did he react to palpation. He was bilaterally lame though, which looked like a gait abnormality, but as soon as nerve blocked it was shockingly obvious. Fingers crossed it's just the mud fever

 

[robthecob]

Thanks bubbles did you opt to do any rehab / treatment. Was there any schooling issues. I know that suspensory injuries normally show there selves on softer ground but my girl has been working lovely in the school lately

 

[cellie]

My horse was same as bubbles hes recently had surgery and prp treatment.If your vet suspects susp I wouldnt turnout unless its restricted .

 

[Bubbles]

No rehab for mine, it was the final straw as he had so much going on. I was given the option of shockwave and turning away, but coupled with kissing spines and being mentally ill (neurologist's words) I put him down

 

[robthecob]

Sorry to hear that Bubbles. Sometimes it is just the kindest thing to do especially when there are multiple issues.

Well first night of bandaging and the legs came right down so I'll just see what happens. It is what it is I guess

 

[Bubbles]

That sounds positive let us know how you get on