Puffy between hoof and fetlock?

[Jim bob]

My horse has done a lot of work this weekend.

So yesterday my horse had the day off and came in from the field with his right fore and left hind swollen and puffy. He was staying in for the night and on the track to the field may have stood on a stone. When picking his feet out I asked for his left fore and he came me his right instead, heat and pulses all ok. This morning after a night in his box all of his legs had swollen up a lot. His leg hind was the worse , after walking him around for 30 seconds or so the swelling had much improved. I took him out with a friend on a very long hack, mainly walking with some trot and two canters throughout. When we returned to the yard it was generally his left hind again, between his hoof and fetlock that was still a bit puffy and swollen. He hadn't worn boots while out, something I have been doing recently. But I didn't want to restrict the blood flow anymore while out. However my horse slipped a few times out and even though I didn't hear or feel him bang himself I guess he could have done.

Thoughts and advice would be good

 

[Red-1]

With all 4 legs up I would think it unlikely he banged all 4, it is much more likely to be systemic, as in his system was challenged by too much work. I guess simplistically the legs or general body muscled were damaged/ over strained, and the lymphatic system could not carry it away.

I would not go cantering about while they are like this, I would walk out. In fact I have found that taking them for a steady paddle in the sea can help loads, the salt water seems to help.

If they are even bigger tomorrow, or get worse in any way (lameness), I would get the vet. Otherwise some turnout, some walking out, and maybe stable boots if he is in overnight. Also cut feed. Monitor closely for heat, lameness, more swelling.

That plus not as much work in one go without bringing his fitness up first.

 

[Jim bob]

With regards to him banging it I mean while we was out hacking yesterday. We put stable bandages on him last night and it regards to the affected legs there still the same, still swollen but not as bad as there were the following morning but he was bandaged last night. There is still heat in his tendons near his fetlocks on his right fore and left hind. Going to speak to my vet this week. I am thinking maybe tendon injury? He is still sound.

 

[Jim bob]

A friend spoke to my vet on my behalf and has said to continue cold hosing and stable bandages on a night until tomorrow which is when he is , now, coming down