Swollen legs - best option?

[badgerdog]

My horse who normally lives out 24/7 came in yesterday with a swollen hind leg. I couldn't find any injury but he does have a few very small scabs (mud fever) on his heels and some missing hair higher up his leg (where the skin looks healthy).
The vet on our yard said she was sure it was mud fever and to clean all his legs up, cold hose them, dry him off and keep him in. I did this but this morning all four legs were swollen and hot. To keep his legs dry I let him wander round the yard and this helped the swelling come down. I've left him in the yard tonight with plenty of hay and water and he was very contented when I left him.
However, the YO thinks I should bring him in overnight and put pressure bandages on him. I'm not sure about this, it seems unecessary to do this if he can keep the swelling down through natural means. He is used to being out and I don't really want him standing in a stable for around 15 hours when I know this will make his legs worse.

Are there benefits of putting bandages on and keeping him in?

I feel terrible as I'm going on a weeks holiday tomorrow (first one in 3 years) and I don't want to leave him. I know he'll be well looked after but I'm just going to be worried all the time I'm away.

Does it sound like mud fever which will clear up or does it sound like something worse?

 

[paisley]

Seeing as all four legs have gone 'poof!' , I would guess mud fever. I would honestly not put pressure bandages on, after seeing one horse develop a very horrid bump on a tendon after wearing them.
I'm a bit confused by cold hosing legs with potential mud fever, its so essential to keep them dry. No to stabling at this point, if you can keep him happy in the yard, then do that.
Basically, I would want him to keep pottering about but keep the legs dry. And have a good holiday!

 

[Crazy Friesian]

Keep legs clean and dry. Soften scabs by applying cream. Keep him moving. May be possible infection brewing so keep a close eye on the legs (or YM when you on holiday)

Mud Fever can be a pain in the butt when the horses system "over reacts" and you get big legs like this.

I would also say no to pressure bandages at this point. Imagine if you had a swelling - how painful would it be??? if movement is what helps keep the swelling down, then keep doing it...

I am sure he will be fine and he will be well cared for when you away.

 

[badgerdog]

Thanks for your replies, you're both echoing what I was thinking. I think the best thing is to keep him moving around, I'll have to persuade the YO to do that when I'm away.