Week old foal with swollen knee??

[dressagediva456]

Hi there,

Have a week old foal with swollen knee, well its like fluid on the outside just under the knee cap. She was born with slightly contracted tendon on that leg. Vet says it could have damaged the lateral extensor tendon, but would need scanning to check. Hopefully he will come out today to scan, just wondered if anyone had similar experience with this?

She is 8 days old today... and it is more swollen than it was yesterday. She is not lame at all, and is currently on box rest.

Many thanks

 

[crabbymare]

sounds like restricted movement will be needed for a while. its not unusual for foals to be crooked or wonky in their legs when they are born and these will sometimes get fluid but most of the time they straighten up and the fluid goes without intervention being needed so hopefully yours is one of them. hopefully the vet will not find any damage that needs more than rest and she will be able to slowly be able to out normally

 

[Tiddlypom]

Could be joint ill, which is a veterinary emergency. Hope it isn't, but a vet needs to see the foal asap.

Old article, but one to read.

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/hors.../first-time-breeders-guide-to-joint-ill-57741

 

[palterwell]

I agree with Tiddlypom,it could be joint ill.

 

[popsdosh]

Could be joint ill, which is a veterinary emergency. Hope it isn't, but a vet needs to see the foal asap.

Old article, but one to read.

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/hors.../first-time-breeders-guide-to-joint-ill-57741

Did you miss the vets already seen it.

 

[popsdosh]

Sorry but no point worrying ourselves is there.

Foals will get alsorts of things going on most are best left well alone to come right on there own especially if no lameness or heat.

 

[dressagediva456]

Thank you everyone, waiting to hear back off vet, they dont seem worried at all as she isnt lame, theres no heat! Will keep you all posted.. I will try and post some pics. how do you do it on here?

 

[Tiddlypom]

I read it that the vet had seen the foal for the contracted tendons, not for the swelling. Apologies if I got that wrong, OP. Agree that joint ill is unlikely if there is no pain, though.

Am hyper aware of the dangers of joint ill. Had to gave a 4yo section D pts because of the consequences of a suspected untreated joint ill. I bought him at 2 and he seemed sound and normal until he was backed, then he went intermittently lame. X rays showed that the hock joint was completely knackered. Vet said untreated joint ill was 99% likely cause.

Fingers crossed your foal will soon be fit and well and scampering round the field with his mum, OP.