Swollen Chin/Face/Glands - PLEASE HELP

[Sally-FF]

Hi Everyone

Over the last few weeks we noticed our greedy horse was getting his usual hamster cheeks (thought it was just spring grass), last wednesday night we brought him in and his chin was swollen and hard - he seemed fine and thought he had just bumped it. Thursday his face was a little swollen along with chin so kept an eye on it. Brought him in friday and his whole face was massive, couldn't even get the headcollar fastened properly! Rushed him to the vets and she said thought he had been stung, gave him a huge steroid injection and it went very quickly over the next day. Said no swelling on the inside so will be fine.

Then this week came, he was getting his usual hamster cheeks again. Went to bring him in tonight and he has got a huge chin again Rang the vet and he thinks there is something in his field he is allergic too (he is in a limited grass paddock as a little weighty. He can't have more steroids this soon as high risk of laminitis. We have given him bute and are keeping an eye on him. He is completely himself, not bothered at all.

We have moved his paddock for tomorrow and will just keep an eye on him.

Anyone got any suggestions or has this happened to you?? Will riding him out do it good?

Thanks

 

[cm2581]

Happens to mine too and I've given up trying to find out what/why!! I find it only happens at this time of year and it is limited/avoided by putting some hay out in the field. Hers is so bad she can't move her head sometimes!

 

[islandspirit]

Don't worry, I have exactly the same problem and posted a question a couple of days ago. Vet first thought a virus then it happened again 2 weeks later so I had another vet out yesterday. He also said allergic reaction but no idea to what and to give anti histimine if it happened again. His tongue and gums are red and when lunged he sounded quite thick. Well tonight, like you, his face was so swollen that I couldnt get the head collar on. I gave him 21 anti histamine tablets and within half an hour the swelling had reduced by half. Vet advised 3 packets as he is 17.1 and ID cross. Boots do a value packet of tablets for 99 pence. Well worth it.