Swollen Fetlock

Brummyrat

Brummyrat

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Hi, wonder if someone can give me some advice as to what to do next. About five years ago my 18 yr old Section D pulled his off hind fetlock whilst schooling, the area just above the joint became swollen. The vet put him on box rest and bute, usual stuff, and he came sound eventually but I cant remember how long this took, I know it was weeks, not months. So, now the tinker has done it again, nearside this time and dont judge me on this please but due to struggling to pay the mortgage etc I didnt call the vet, he's been on two weeks box rest, cold hosing, one bute a day (i already have a supply due to minor ringbone and have told the vet what Im doing). He is 90% better, he's perfectly sound and able to move on it ok when tied up but my problem is, there is still a small amount of swelling and Im wondering what my next move should be, people are suggesting an hours turn out with a bit of sedation so he doesnt charge about (he's a charge about kind of guy!!). Any suggestions would be appreciated, I've joined this forum especially to ask so.... hi
 
Controlled exercise is far more beneficial than turnout where sedated or not you could risk him reinjuring himself.
 
if i was you i would carry on cold hosing his fetlock keep, i wouldnt turn him him due to a risk of him going loopy and setting him back. Do you have a horse walker? if not i would suggest walking him around/out . Maybe ask your vet over phone what he would recommend?.
Give it another week or 2 of that - if no better i would def suggest vet - i know your having money issues but the longer you leave him the worse it could possibly get

Keep us up dated.
 
Thanks for that, sound advice really, Im just desperate for things to get back to normal. I didnt point out but I have been walking him in hand these last few days, on concrete (can't take him on the road) and last night I attempted to long rein him round the outside of the school, just for 10 minutes, this was a success much to my amazement, he seemed just grateful to be doing something. The fetlock this morning seemed no different, so yeah, you're right, stick with this for as long as and keep assessing it. He a big heavy lad and I was concerned with letting him go because once he starts bucking I fear we'd be in trouble
 
I would wait a little longer. I'd be suggesting two weeks of controlled walking before you turn out. I'd wouldn't want to put him on a horsewalker as it might put more strain on the fetlock. I'd keep him walking in straight lines where possible. Then if he is sound in another fortnight consider turning him out.
 
its best to keep them active. the more he stands still on it i believe it wont get better.
Give it a couple more weeks and see how he does. Long reining sounds good, keeping his mind active. Will he go loopy if you let him off in the school?
 
Yep, the more I read these replies the more I think Im a numpty. Haven't got a horse walker at our yard anyway and going back to the vet issue, if I saw no improvement I wouldnt hesitate, obviously. Cheers guys
 
School isnt fenced, the only fenced area is a lunge ring which is too tight a circle and too deep, stick to long reining, it went surprisingly well, he normally broncs on the lunge, poor boy was so happy to be busy!
 
Having seen and observed many vets at work. Main advice would be if you think its a strain of any sort - a few weeks boxrest (which you are doing/have done) then controlled(ie in hand/under saddle) walking (long reining sounds ok, but pref not on a circle).
If there is no chance after 6-8weeks (ie horse is still lame and swelling still v obvious) then id recommend scanning. Id usually say 2-4wks but if money is tight and youd settle for sound with a blemish(the swelling) then as long as he is box rested, cold hosed and hand walked, you wont be doing much harm. Strains are usually a waiting game anyway.
 
I'd carry on the way you are. One old fashioned remedy I know of is to take a very large leaf, large dock or cabbage will do. Wrap it around the area and then bandage, nothing else just the bandage. After a couple of hours the leaf will have drawn a lot of the heat out and will be so dry you can crumble it in your fingers. It seems to help swelling and bruising to subside and it can't possible do any harm plus you can repeat it as often as you like.
 
Hi , Id keep him in , better to be safe than sorry and if he puts more pressure on it out in a field then he could make it a lot worse .
 
Thanks for the replies folks. He's into his third week and things are looking good, very good actually. There is just a slight swelling to the top of the fetlock joint rather like windgalls but the heat is gone and more importantly, he's not resting it at all, which he was last week. In fact during the first few days he didnt want to stand on it at all. As you say, patience is the key word and I'll keep it rested and walk him in a staight line. The shoulder-ins seem just a distant memory at the moment!!!!
 
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