acw295
Well-Known Member
Long thread warning - I just want to get it all down in one place and get any views.
On 13 May pony came in from field hopping lame, non weight bearing on near hind. Leg very hot and filled (whole of cannon bone area plus fetlock) but in an infected looking way rather than soft tissue way. Emergency vet called, some reaction to hoof testers so thought possibly an abscess brewing (she had very filled leg with previous abscess) or lymphangitis type infection (although no wound evident). Advised to treat for both possibilities to start with so tubbed and packed foot plus given 5 days antibiotics and bute. Advised box rest with walking inhand.
Pony happy to weight bear as soon as bute kicked in and was moving well, but lame due to limited movement in the very swollen leg which progressed up to the hock.
15th May, farrier was able to pop out, he could find no sign of abscess and thought leg infection most likely.
17th May, vet came out (different one unfortunately) and he thought mild lymphangitis type infection (she had no weeping, ulceration etc). Leg was now smaller and less hot but still swollen. Gave more antibiotics, cortisone injection and said to stop the bute. Pony moving very well - unsoundness only due to the lack of flexibility. Advised to start some turnout and continue walking to encourage circulation.
Swelling improved significantly with turnout and exercise but filled (around cannon bone and over tendons) when brought in. Pony seems sound and happy - will trot to gate in field etc and seems very level.
28 May- spoke to first vet as antibiotics finished (2 weeks in total) and they advised to continue with field rest, stabling as little as possible and walking out under saddle (as she is very hard work on the ground - can't stop her eating verge!!) and to review after another 2 weeks. Happy to walk out (we are doing 30-60 mins walking hacks).
The 2 weeks will be up on Monday, after walk exercise leg looks very good but there is still some swelling and small amount of heat, mainly on inside of leg. There is also a new firm lump on the inside which I swear was not there before and I wonder if it is a splint forming?
I have a facebook pic of lump here, this was after exercise when swelling much less evident - is it the right place for a splint? https://www.facebook.com/media/set/...0817704485849.395348.557680848&type=3&theater
It doesn't look very big from here but from the front it sticks out and is very noticeable. When leg is puffier the area around the lump is filled in.
Will be getting vet back out next week but am verging between panic that there is something seriously wrong, and rationally thinking that a sound pony probably isn't the biggest thing to worry about despite the swelling, as I know lymphangitis can take a while to resolve.
There, that's better. Thoughts??
On 13 May pony came in from field hopping lame, non weight bearing on near hind. Leg very hot and filled (whole of cannon bone area plus fetlock) but in an infected looking way rather than soft tissue way. Emergency vet called, some reaction to hoof testers so thought possibly an abscess brewing (she had very filled leg with previous abscess) or lymphangitis type infection (although no wound evident). Advised to treat for both possibilities to start with so tubbed and packed foot plus given 5 days antibiotics and bute. Advised box rest with walking inhand.
Pony happy to weight bear as soon as bute kicked in and was moving well, but lame due to limited movement in the very swollen leg which progressed up to the hock.
15th May, farrier was able to pop out, he could find no sign of abscess and thought leg infection most likely.
17th May, vet came out (different one unfortunately) and he thought mild lymphangitis type infection (she had no weeping, ulceration etc). Leg was now smaller and less hot but still swollen. Gave more antibiotics, cortisone injection and said to stop the bute. Pony moving very well - unsoundness only due to the lack of flexibility. Advised to start some turnout and continue walking to encourage circulation.
Swelling improved significantly with turnout and exercise but filled (around cannon bone and over tendons) when brought in. Pony seems sound and happy - will trot to gate in field etc and seems very level.
28 May- spoke to first vet as antibiotics finished (2 weeks in total) and they advised to continue with field rest, stabling as little as possible and walking out under saddle (as she is very hard work on the ground - can't stop her eating verge!!) and to review after another 2 weeks. Happy to walk out (we are doing 30-60 mins walking hacks).
The 2 weeks will be up on Monday, after walk exercise leg looks very good but there is still some swelling and small amount of heat, mainly on inside of leg. There is also a new firm lump on the inside which I swear was not there before and I wonder if it is a splint forming?
I have a facebook pic of lump here, this was after exercise when swelling much less evident - is it the right place for a splint? https://www.facebook.com/media/set/...0817704485849.395348.557680848&type=3&theater
It doesn't look very big from here but from the front it sticks out and is very noticeable. When leg is puffier the area around the lump is filled in.
Will be getting vet back out next week but am verging between panic that there is something seriously wrong, and rationally thinking that a sound pony probably isn't the biggest thing to worry about despite the swelling, as I know lymphangitis can take a while to resolve.
There, that's better. Thoughts??
