Swelling on side of face...

[Pinhead]

Sometimes my mare comes in from the field with a swelling on the side of face, sometimes on both sides, sometimes just one. It is usually along the cheekbone, maybe up to her ear.
Our vet said not to worry and tha it might be a reaction to the new grass. However, we don't have fantastic grazing and it doesn't just occur in spring. Though she has never had it during the winter. It doesn't appear to hurt her... is just a little unsightly! It goes down when she comes in at night so by the morning it is gone and then reappears when shes been out in the field. Its not a regular occurance though. Somedays she'll get it everyday for a couple of weeks then sometimes she won't have it at all...

Was just wondering whether anyone else has had similar experiances or has any other ideas as to why this might be? Cheers

 

[erinjane_85]

this month's Horse magazine has a feature in it about facial swelling ( in relation to sinuses ).

really interesting read

 

[Pinhead]

Cheers, I'll make sure I have a read of that then

 

[Sheri]

A few horses I know get this, it is to do with grass the sugar in it, my pony used to get it when he was on sugar beet.

You should find it will reduce if you ride her.

Don't worry about it.

My Arab get Sinius probs and a tell tail sign is the nose running but from only one nostril - my vet is obsessed with sniffing my horses right nostril!

 

[Tiffany]

Sounds like grass glands - do they go down after being in a few hours?

 

[Pinhead]

Yes it goes down once she is ridden and after she has been in overnight... It doesnt happen everyday though which was why I was slightly confused as to whether it would be grass related! Oh well, so long as its not a major problem and it doesnt cause her any harm. Shes not aggrevated by it or anything. Thanks for putting my mind at rest!

 

[Brandysnap]

Hi Pinhead (what a great name!!)

I had a pony with similar symptoms.

I discovered that it was simply grass, impacted in the wrong place! - think you could say 'bitten off more than she could chew'? It all got stuck at the side of her molars. Maybe have a grope round there, next time she has the swelling? (Being very careful to keep your hand only between the cheek and the teeth)

Has your vet checked her teeth?

Really don't think there's anything to worry about,

All bests, BS x

 

[Bananarama]

ditto Brandysnap, my pony gets that all the time

If thats what it is then its nothing to worry about, maybe just get the vet or EDT to check teeth