swallen back legs

adele m

adele m

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27 September 2014
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hi I went down to muck out my 18 year old mare today and noticed her back legs are swollen they are not too warm, she was brought in at 12 because the weather was bad. she doesn't seem to be in any pain she is putting weight on them and was able to trot with no lameness. she is her normal self. any ideas on what this could be. I have the vet coming out tomorrow morning. thanks
 
Most likely stocking up (fluid) due to lack of movement. The fluid swelling usually goes when they move about again as that gets the circulation/lymphatic drainage going. That's one of the reasons why turnout is so important.
 
I suppose it depends on if they were hard or a soft fluidly swelling? If the latter then not uncommon in older/arthritic horses who have been standing in after being out (especially in mud/cold). This should go down after 20 mins walking on hard ground. One of mine gets this in winter (arthritic) and I bandage legs over night when really cold/use stable wraps.

If it is harder swelling/doesn't shift I would think firstly injury. Have you bandaged?

Could also be cellulitis? Lymphangitis?

ETA: getting the vet is the right answer if this is new. If it is an injury then diagnosing early can make all the difference.
 
What did the vet say, OP?
I didn't suggest cellulitis as it normally presents as very hot swollen legs, while you said your mare's were not too warm. Horses with cellulitis typically show lameness and pain on touching the affected limb as well, but your mare trotted up sound.
ETA: same with lymphangitis - heat and painful swelling/lameness
 
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