Squishy Lump on front of fetlock?

Sirreal

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Hi,
I went to see a lovely 4 year old ISH gelding yesterday, and he seems absolutely perfect. However, he does have a squishy lump on the front of his fetlock. His present owner has had him from a three year old, and he's had this lump all this time. I watched him trotted up, and he wasn't lame, and when I rode him, I couldn't feel anything abnormal about his gait. His owner has assured me that the vet said it doesn't affect him in any way, and it's blood, from a knock when he was younger, and it will go down in time. Obviously, I will have this horse vetted, but does anyone know anything that could help? He's a lovely youngster, and if there's nothing wrong with it, I'd love to have him: other people have been out off buying him because of it. Help?
 
Blood still pooled there after possibly years? Hmmmm.... My first thought was a windgall. Windgalls themselves won't cause lameness but they are a sign that there is/has been a problem with the joint itself, which may mean trouble further down the line. I'd want to look into it further or get a 2nd opinion.
 
hmmmmm... If it aint gone down after at least a year, I'd say it's not going to go down..

The last time I saw this sort of swelling was on my 9 month old filly who had physitis. Sounds similar to me, although by his age you would have expected it to have resolved as the growth plates in the fetlocks will be well and truly closed. Could be 'scaring' though...

Could be inflamed tendon sheath which may or may not be problematic. might be worth an xray and or scan to put your mind at rest?
 
Thank you to you both. I have been told it's not windgalls but I'll get it checked out. I'm having him vetted next week, so I'm assuming my vet will look into that..at least I'll get another opinion on it. Thank you. :D
 
I would imagine it is some sort of bursitis, a bit like a capped hock. I expect he has some sort of knock there in the past.

It wouldn't unduly worry me, from what you have described.
 
my boy has had a golf ball size lump since before i bought him (injury as a youngster) it has been checked by vet and does not affect him in anyway! it goes hard and soft-it is a broken capillary which is harmless i am led to believe, can be drained however it can also fill up again but vet assured me that it was nothing to worry about. if you still like the horse then dont let it put you off or less the vet says so x
 
:) Thank you alfiesmum, that is pretty much what it sounds like, and also exactly what I was told it was. I really like him, so I'm glad there doesn't seem to be a problem. Thanks! :D:D
 
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