Should i worry about this.

[Dopeydapple]

Nearly 4 weeks ago when I got to the field first thing my mare had a big fat hind leg and was uncomfortable moving on it. Called vet who came out at lunch time, horse had loosened up and was perfectly sound by then, swelling going down but still there. Gave her bute for 4 days and swelling almost gone except for an area about 3 finger widths long on the inside below her hock ( and a bit thickened on back of leg). Her leg has stayed like this ever since, what was swollen is now just like a fatter bit of leg, totally firm, not sensitive to touch, no heat and horse totally sound and happy. Should I bother trying to get to the the bottom of it or just accept that it's like that now and not causing problems?

 

[rhino]

I’d have been wanting a scan when the initial swelling receded.

 

[MickeyFinn22]

I agree with rhino, I would also be asking for a scan im afraid. Hope shes ok!

 

[meesha]

Ring vet who came out and ask their advice. You can ask if they would investigate in your shoes (if insured I would do it anyway as even though you haven't claimed it will be excluded at renewal) if not insured ask what scan they would do and approx cost. X-rays or ultrasound can be done at yard with no electric now and generally aren't too much.

 

[Dopeydapple]

Will call vet in the morning to ask advice but honestly what could she have done that doesn't cause any pain?

 

[SEL]

Will call vet in the morning to ask advice but honestly what could she have done that doesn't cause any pain?

There's another thread recently where a horse had a small embedded splinter

 

[Dopeydapple]

The vet did mention check ligament at the time but didn't think it was that as she was sound. No stable to box rest for that and if i section up her paddock into a small rest area ( it's not big anyway) then it's going to turn into a mud bath and that's probably worse for her. Why do we have horses?

 

[Traks]

Sound doesn’t always mean there isn’t damage, could be lots of causes so best to get the vet to check again, the swelling is there for a reason I’d say

 

[Dopeydapple]

Vet called me back, she said she didn't think she needed to see her again as she's still sound, said most likely has been damage to a ligament or tendon and the remaining swelling is just scar tissue. She said as she's retired now anyway no need to change anything management wise and she is happy for her staying out 24/ 7 in her paddock with her pal. Feeling much happier now, let's hope the dog gets such good news at the physio later

 

[IrishImportHerd]

I would get the vet back and ask for a scan. Why would the leg have thickened where the puffy part was that means something may be irritated or damaged scar tissue forming which could later contribute to lameness. Best to get checked.

 

[Tiddlypom]

If you had said at the outset that she was retired people might have been more conservative in their responses.