Mysterious swelling

[milly08]

I'm going to give the very shortened version of the past three months...

Horse got lymphangitis in near hind, second round in 2 years. Swollen from hoof to sheath. Treat intravenously for three days, left with meds. Temp came down, infection subsided over time and so did swelling up and down leg. But swelling on the hock did not. Was on many different steroids, antibiotics, potassium iodide, bute and oedex. Has been turned out during the day, in at night, cold hosed or iced regularly. X-rays and ultra sounds all clear. Vet doesn't think MRI will show anything new. Basically he has no idea what to do now and has suggested two months box rest. Since the swelling comes down when he's out I decided to get a second opinion. Called a highly recommended second vet. But second vet away and can't see him for a few days. Has said to leave him out as much as possible and apply DMSO until he arrived. DMSO not really doing anything. Swelling not changing when going out anymore.

The swelling is on the inside of the hock, covering evenly, not in any one lump. He has not been lame at any time, except when the leg was so swollen he couldn't stand on it. He was flexion tested and clear. Depending on what the vet said at times he was hacked out and at times he was on the walker and at times he did nothing. Exercise does not seem to help at all.

Anyone ever experienced anything like this?? Anyone shed some light on whats going on? I'm at my wits end and waiting for the other vet is killing me.

 

[be positive]

I have no idea what it will be but think you have done the right thing going for a second opinion, giving a horse 2 months box rest for no good reason seems unfair and pointless when movement had been improving the situation and he is still recovering from the lymphangitis which could flare up again if he stands in.

It probably seems like a long wait but the new vet may come up with a diagnosis or at least some further options of treatment even if it is to crack on and work him to see if it settles over the next few months, if he is sound that may be the best way forward.

 

[Fiona]

My 14.2 was left with a permanently 'capped hock' after a cut further up his leg got infected and led to widespread swelling.

Good luck with the 2nd opinion, fingers crossed he says you can turnout and start riding.

How big is the swelling, can you share a pic?

Fiona

 

[milly08]

I have no idea what it will be but think you have done the right thing going for a second opinion, giving a horse 2 months box rest for no good reason seems unfair and pointless when movement had been improving the situation and he is still recovering from the lymphangitis which could flare up again if he stands in.

It probably seems like a long wait but the new vet may come up with a diagnosis or at least some further options of treatment even if it is to crack on and work him to see if it settles over the next few months, if he is sound that may be the best way forward.

Thanks be positive! I'll try take a leaf out of your name and remain positive, at least until I meet the new vet. If only he could talk, would make life a lot easier!!

 

[milly08]

My 14.2 was left with a permanently 'capped hock' after a cut further up his leg got infected and led to widespread swelling.

Good luck with the 2nd opinion, fingers crossed he says you can turnout and start riding.

How big is the swelling, can you share a pic?

Fiona

I'm trying to get a picture for you but it keeps saying the image is too big 😣
He's swollen from the point of hock around the inside to the protruding point of the tibia. The whole area is filled to a lovely smooth surface. If you glanced at him you might not cop it straight away but when you look it's clear.

 

[Fiona]

I'm having success sharing from Facebook. Surround the picture address with

[ IMG ] ....... [/ IMG ] removing all the spaces...

Fiona