Swollen warm fetlock - most likely injury?

D

daisalph

Well-Known Member
Joined
17 April 2009
Messages
245
Location
Wiltshire
Visit site
My mare suddenly presented yesterday with a hot hoof and swollen fetlock (off fore). She could walk OK but was lame to trot. She is turned out 24/7 and the gate areas of the fields are pretty muddy so I wondered whether she'd injured it in the mud. This morning it's a bit cooler but she's still cautious on it. I cold -poulticed it yesterday and this morning after cold-hosing for a few minutes. The hoof feels less hot today but the fetlock swelling is still there. Thoughts?
 
Thanks for reply. Farrier came today. Nothing wrong with hoof but he reckons she's pulled something in the field haring around. Seems less swollen today but still warmer than the other foot and ankle. She's walking fine. Any ideas on how long it will take her to be rideable again?
 
you really need to get the vet to see what it is. Example my old lad had slight heat and swelling on rear hind fetlock, no lameness. Turned out when scanned to be his annular ligament. If I had ignored it (I know your not doing that) I could have caused serious damage. He needed treatment and rest.
I guess my point is his swelling and heat went after 10 days and if I hadn't had the scan would probably have built him back up to normal work within a couple of weeks, this would have been totally the wrong thing to do
 
I agree with Soulfull, it could be something serious, my boy presented with the same symptoms and had a tear in both his DDFT & his SDFT.
 
Just letting you know that Bea was sound within a week. Did not go down the road of nerve block tests and xrays that the vet presented as an option. Went for rest instead and she is ready to ride! Must have been a muscle tweak in the field. How lucky was that?!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top