Possible Kick - Please help - have I done the right things?

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kit279

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Sorry I know this should be in Veterinary but I'm a bit anxious and upset right now (and waiting for the vet to call me back) so could do with some advice.

My chestnut has come in with a fat knee tonight - I can find a little cut on the front of the knee and I think he might have been kicked. He is weight bearing and not lame at all (have checked very carefully) but I have cold hosed his leg for 20 minutes and stable bandaged him anyway. He is well in himself and eating well, does not appear to be in great discomfort. I do not think there was any heat in the knee but it is puffy and the swelling extends a little down the cannon bone, particularly on the inside side. I have called the vet but she hasn't phoned me back (could only leave a message on her answerphone) so now I am waiting anxiously.

Is there anything more I can do? Does this sound like a kick? I am very worried that it might be a joint infection (paranoia strikes) - is there anything I should be looking for if the knee is infected?

He didn't have a puffy knee last night but my OH checked the horses this morning and said he didn't notice anything even when he picked out their feet.
mad.gif
Obviously, I am worried that he is just bloody unobservant!

Anyway, can anyone give me any advice, I'm just sitting around stressing, waiting for my vet to call!
 
I would say you've done everything right and to try not to worry. EVEN if it is infected, there is nothing more you can do until the vet comes out if she feels the need to. Sit tight and cold hose twice daily.
 
If any lameness develops over the next few hours you need a vet immediately as joint infections can be very severe. If there is no seeping of clear fluid from the wound it is likely not to have entered the joint capsule but I'd suggest keeping it clean and dry if you can overnight. A fracture is unlikely as this would most probably have resulted in immediate lameness.
 
You have done everything that i would do and if it wasn't like it yesterday it is more than likely a kisck and if joints get infected they tend to go lame. but hold tight and wait for the vet, don't panic
 
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