Puffy Legs

TheresaW

TheresaW

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Apologies now if this is a stupid question, but never had to deal with them before, so don't know the answer.

Mac started living out 4 months ago because of arthritis. He has been absolutely fine and totally sound. Because he trashed the fence over the weekend, have had to keep him in until it was repaired. He was hacked Sunday and Monday and had a day off Tues although was walked in hand to stretch his legs. Yesterday morning a friend gently lunged him for me. Got him out last night to ride, and both of his back legs were swollen at the bottom. He wasn't lame at all, so took him in the school for a gentle walk, and they soon went down. Am guessing it is caused by standing in (never had a problem before he lived out though), but don't really know what it is and what causes it. Also, am hoping he can stay out all winter as well, but obviously, if his joints don't cope in the weather, he will have to come in. Would the puffy legs then become a problem?

OH finished fence last night so he went back out. He dragged me down to the field.
grin.gif
 
Puffy legs are a circulation problem but can also be a side symptom of arthritic joints (you didnt specify which joints were affected however).

When living out, they generally wander around most of the day while grazing which keeps the circulation moving nicely. When in, they dont have that luxury.

It tends to be something that comes with age.. not all are affected but many horses are. It shouldnt cause any lameness; some stiffness at most while the swelling goes down as the horse works.

Bandaging prevents them from swelling - as do leg wraps. Magnetic wraps illegidly increase circulation and can also help to ward off puffy legs... similarly the silver lined fal stable boots claim the same.

If hes arthritic, living out is probably a good option for him as it will keep him moving around.
 
My horse gets puffy lower hind legs if he has to stand in for a day, so I just make sure he gets out every day. He is never (touch wood) lame with it, it just looks very painful!

I might try the magnetic boots if it gets any worse.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Apologies now if this is a stupid question, but never had to deal with them before, so don't know the answer.

Mac started living out 4 months ago because of arthritis. He has been absolutely fine and totally sound. Because he trashed the fence over the weekend, have had to keep him in until it was repaired. He was hacked Sunday and Monday and had a day off Tues although was walked in hand to stretch his legs. Yesterday morning a friend gently lunged him for me. Got him out last night to ride, and both of his back legs were swollen at the bottom. He wasn't lame at all, so took him in the school for a gentle walk, and they soon went down. Am guessing it is caused by standing in (never had a problem before he lived out though), but don't really know what it is and what causes it. Also, am hoping he can stay out all winter as well, but obviously, if his joints don't cope in the weather, he will have to come in. Would the puffy legs then become a problem?

OH finished fence last night so he went back out. He dragged me down to the field.
grin.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

That's how I knew something was wrong with Ty so I guess just part and parcel of spavin?
 
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