Swelling/Haematoma In Front of Girth - How To Prevent

Mithras

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My new horse develops a large haematoma (as big as a large hand) in front of the girth, just behind the elbow. I thought at first it was a girth gall, but clipped it and the skin isn't irritated. It goes down after him not being ridden for a few days. Its pretty painful for him while its up - he doesn't like it being touched.

I'm being careful to really stretch out his forelegs after I tighten the girth. I've tried both a leather and synthetic girth, but it seems to be caused by the loose skin in front of this area swelling hugely while riding.

Has anyone ever experienced anything like this and how did you tackle it? I'm not hopeful the vet will come up with a solution, and I've have to ride him to make it swell and then rush him to the vet so they could see whats happening.

He seems a pretty fit horse with a long record of showjumping, so I can't think its troubled him too much in the past.
 
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