swollen legs :(

[kerrieberry2]

Just wondering if anyone has experienced the same thing or have advise!

My 2 year old gleding comes in most days with a new cut, nothing major, just scratches really! But in the last few weeks when he's cut his legs they swollen up really big!

He has a swollen hock from some very superficial looking grazes! Had the vet out to it twice now, he's had anti b's and a steroid injection. The swellings gone down a bit but not completely! But this morning his got another cut on the same leg! And its puffed up slightly all the way down to his fetlock

Vet is back out on friday for vacc's so I won't call them again but just worried about why he's suddenly started to react like this!

 

[be positive]

Anti biotics will only help regarding infection, the swelling is most likely due to sluggish circulation and lymphatic system or low immunity to fight all these minor injuries. A supplement to give his immunity a kick start would be a good idea, I have used a few different ones and they do seem to help.

 

[CBFan]

I agree. it is a young horse / weak immune system thing. My boy used to swell and get infected at the slightest cut, despite thorough cleaning. Now, aged 5 he sems to have developed a bit more immunity.

I would reccomend you try feeding hedgerow plants like hawthorn, nettle and cleavers (you will need to buy clevers in a tub as they are out of season now) - all of which are great blood tonics. also look out for rosehips at this time of year - very rich in vitamin c .

Keep up with the anti-biotics, and bute, cold hosing and bandaging will also help with the swelling. Don't be afraid to call your vet and ask for more if nec - sometimes my boy needed 2 or 3 courses of anti-biotics at a time - grrrrrr!!

as a topical ointment I find tea tree a great natural astringent - really draws anything horrid right out of the wound and I now use this over and above anything else. you can buy the cream in tesco (with witch hazel) and boots

 

[kerrieberry2]

Oh brilliant thank you! That's made me feel much better! Was worried he was going to be like it forever, so hopeffuly when he's a big boy he won't react so badly . Ill have a look for the immue supplements for now then

 

[AmyMay]

I would be concerned as to why he's getting cut so often. What is in the field that is causing it.

As for the current swelling - is it hot? If it is, then I would have the vet sooner.

 

[Littlelegs]

Agree with all above posts. Plus with any swelling, best thing is long periods of cold hosing. If you aren't already, I'd be doing at least 20 mins 2x a day on each swelling, preferably 4x.