Swollen leg from hunting

[Horseperson432]

Took horse hunting yesterday and despite coming back absolutely fine (checked his legs thorough) I found him this morning with a slightly swollen near hind (lower leg). There was a little warmth in it which seems to have gone now. It was a little more swollen when I later checked on him up his lower leg (cannon bone) and just above his fetlock. I took him for a short walk to see if it was a small cut causing fluid and the swelling went down a little up his leg but still a bit puffy around the fetlock… I’m really worried, particularly as I stupidly took him over a hedge that was a lot bigger on the other side than I anticipated and uneven ground meant he landed with a bit of a thud… though this could have nothing to do with that I suppose.

Just wondering when I should call a vet? People here saying not to worry but I rlly don’t want it to be worst than they think. Could the swelling just be from a bang? Or is it highly likely something else? I can’t see any cuts at all so would be surprised if it was an infection and he’s not lame at all, slightly off on a circle on his near fore but we recon that’s more due to him losing a shoe than anything! I’m just worried it could be a tendon/ ligament:/

 

[Red-1]

Yes, I would call the vet.

It could be nothing, but if it were an infection you are best getting on top of it the same day. An infection can get in through the smallest skin break.

Is the horse up to date with tetanus also?

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Having lost a horse to cellulitis, I would get the vet asap, just to be on the safe side. We couldn't find the original wound.

 

[racebuddy]

Yep definitely I would call the vet to be on the safe side xx keep us updated xx

 

[TPO]

Having lost a horse to cellulitis, I would get the vet asap, just to be on the safe side. We couldn't find the original wound.

Ditto

 

[Orangehorse]

Get the vet and go over his leg with your fingertips. I had a horse with a very swollen leg, vet said tendon strain, I put stable bandages on and the the following morning the gamgee had pus on it from the tinest little injury that was only found by careful digging with fingernails.

 

[nutjob]

I know of at least 3 horses who have had thorns go in which have gone on to be a problem and which were impossible to find initially. One ended up with an abscess in the chest which was very nasty. I would also get the vet, until you know what it is you don't know how to treat it.