Swollen Knee from kick

[Nordic]

Can anyone give their opinion on this? My horse came in from the field yesterday with a small kick just above his knee (about an inch above the knee cap). It only slightly broke the skin. However his knee is swollen (below the inpact point). Not the whole of the knee just a swelling on the font of the knee cap slightly to the side of the knee cap (ie not central). There was some heat in the knee and he was verly slightly lame. I hosed the knee down for 15 minutes and gave him 2 bute to help with any inflamation as he stays in at night and thought it would blow up. It hasn't. This morning the swelling was pretty much the same, not quite so hot. He is a little more lame today but not badly. He spent about 4 hours out in the field (on his own) and there was no change once he came in. I'm not overly worried but just would like some views on it.
Thanks!!

 

[Llwyncwn]

Hello, and welcome to the forum

In my own personal experience, any (even slightly) broken skin so close to a joint capsule should be treated by a specialist equine vet without delay. I lost a 10 month old foal earlier this year as a joint capsule had become infected and, although the vets hospitalised him and operated 3 times, he couldnt be saved.

It would amaze you the amount of people who arn't aware of exactly where all the joint capsules are on a horse.

Hopefully your boy will just have bruising, but at the very least I would want him to have some antibio's. My recommendation would be to get your vet to attend.

Please let us know how you get on. Why not introduce yourself to everyone in the New Lounge - we are quite a friendly bunch (watch out for Shilasdair, she will trick you into joining her on the dark side)

 

[Nordic]

Hi Llwyncwn, Many Thanks for your prompt response! I am a newbie but have been on the forum before and checked out what goes on and it seems like a really good site! I will say Hi to everyone in the new lounge for sure! I think the kick is too high to have caused any damage to the capsule but will keep a close eye on it. My horse did fall over on the road last year and took all of his skin off of both knees and the vet was called immediatly. As you say knees are so delicate you can never be to carefull. Hopefuly this is not too much cause for concern but who knows with horses. I am back up the yard later to see him so will let you know how we get on!!
Thanks Charlotte and Nordic Spirit

 

[AmyMay]

[ QUOTE ]
any (even slightly) broken skin so close to a joint capsule should be treated by a specialist equine vet without delay

[/ QUOTE ]
I agree. Better safe than sorry.

My little mare had a very inoccuous cut a while back - which actually required a lot of treatment because of the position of it.

 

[Nordic]

Thanks Amymay! I will re assess the situation tonight then!! Wish me luck!
Charlotte x

 

[AmyMay]

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks Amymay! I will re assess the situation tonight then!! Wish me luck!
Charlotte x

[/ QUOTE ]
You won't thank us after you've spent £150 for your vet to say 'It's nothing'

But I would rather that - than several hundred pounds later for something that did need treatment and didn't get it.

Good luck