Splint/Swelling on both sides of cannon bone in older horse - not lame

[suej102]

Anyone able to help me decide whether I need the vet out? Have 19yo Pure ID and went out Sun but came back as he had nothing about him and didn't feel himself. Had another horse with us and he couldn't even summon the power to keep up with her so I knew something was amiss, though he did not feel lame. When we got back and I got off he was lifting up his offside rear leg (he is very helpful in showing me what I need to know God love him!). He had heat in the fetlock and down the cannon bone. I hosed him for 20 mins and put arnica cooling gel on and left him on box rest for all of yesterday. Heat had subsided and swelling on fetlock had gone by last night (think this was a windgall as has had before). I have noticed a lumpy little swelling either side of the top of his cannon bone (ligaments?) which is a little squishy to touch and a tad warm, but not that much. My question is that I think he has always had this slight swelling here and whether it is something I need to get the vet out to if he is sound? Is it possible that this is a wear and tear thing?
I am quite happy to call the vet out but hate to get it them out for silly things - obviously if he was lame I would have them out like a shot, but he seems so well and is bearing weight happily on both legs again now. I am keeping him in again today but considering putting him back out tomorrow - would love some input from you as to what might be going on here?

 

[Halfstep]

What I would do is keep him in, and keep up the cold hosing and arnica. If by Friday it is not completely back to normal, book the vet. If you get the vet now, they will probably say that they can't scan anyway, as you have to wait for the initial swelling to subside.

I'm not a vet, but this could be a check ligament strain or a strain to the body of the suspensory. Or it could be nothing, fingers crossed. But lameness is not necessarily present with either such strains at the initial phase. But they still need to be treated with caution!

 

[suej102]

That is really helpful advice and I have just read online H&H articles on both types of strain. As you say, fingers crossed it is neither, and will keep same routine for next couple of days. I have little experience of bandaging but wonder if I should be doing this too?

 

[Halfstep]

If you are not confident bandaging, don't!

.

 

[suej102]

Hiya - just wanted to update you that I had the vet look at him yesterday as he was on yard so seemed too good an opportunity to miss! He said this was old splint damage and nothing to worry about - nothing fresh there and will come and go. He has also suggested I give him a bute a day just to keep him supple/moving freely. I rode him out for a long walk yesterday after that and was thrilled all was well! Thank you so much for your input!