Slightly swollen fetlock.....WWYD?

[el_Snowflakes]

Hi all,

A new horse was introduced to the field the other day & my mare has been having a rare old time galloping around after her! However, tonight I noticed her hind fetlocks were a bit puffy, one more so than the other so I cold hosed them both after trotting her up. She doesn't seen lame at all. She does have old windgalls which have never caused any problem whatsoever. I'm going to keep her in 2moro so I can assess but she may well be v unsettled in her stable (due to wanting to go out with new friend!) so the better option may be to turn her out. I also have a flatwork lesson booked for the evening. WWYD? Keep her in or put her out, go ahead with lesson if still not lame?

Ps. She is 18 & never had any lameness issues

 

[SusieT]

put out in a calm situation so she can potter about would be my preference, and cold hosing twice daily

 

[Andalucian]

put out in a calm situation so she can potter about would be my preference, and cold hosing twice daily

^^^ echo this advice. Movement is best for swelling reduction providing she's not lame.

 

[paulineh]

I would say they were Windgalls and you are doing the correct thing in cold hosing them. Turn out would be better for her.

 

[Birker2020]

My vet says any swelling that dissapears after the application of ice or after work is generally not serious and is a collection of synovial fluid. That said, synovial fluid is only present after injury! Although windgalls are different.

Confused!?

 

[el_Snowflakes]

Thanks guys for all your replies

I cold hosed again today then decided to turn out. Seems less puffy after hosing, no Heat at all & no lameness so will go ahead with my lesson & just give my instructor a heads up. The swelling was very slight & probably not surprising after all her crazy galloping!

Eta: she's calmed down a bit with the new horse so hopefully that will also help!