My mare went lame about 4 weeks ago with swelling and heat in her hind fetlock. She was worse on soft ground than on hard and from that and where she was sore I think she's hyper-extended in the field and stretched out everything down the front of the fetlock. It wasn't a severe lameness and she was treated with box rest, bute and cold hosing for about a week. The swelling went down and she came sound in a week or so and is now turned out again. This was about a month ago and she still has some swelling around the fetlock and coming up the leg a little, it's not loads and she's completely sound with no heat or pain. I've not really dealt with this sort of lameness before and was wondering if it's normal for residual swelling and if it is how long it will take to go?
She may have continued inflammation such as of the synovial membrane or a tendon sheath, in which case she may need more healing time and possibly medical treatment. I would call the vet and have it investigated rather than waiting. Swelling that continues after a month warrants at least a phone call to your vet.
It might not ever go away if your not doing anything. If you experianced, look up how to sweat a horses leg out, I think that would really help your horse. If all else fails, call the vet.
Not totally the same situation ... but my horse currently has some swelling in his hind leg and I have been sweating it at night which has helped tremendously!! Note this should not be done for long periods of times ... just a few days!
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com Heres what I do:
-Put Furazone Ointment over all parts that are swollen
-On top of the Furazone ... I put DMSO (MAKE SURE You have gloves on when handling this) DMSO helps drive the other ointments into the skin.
-Next I wrap with cotton
-Over the cotton I put seran-wrap
-Then last I wrap with a standing wrap
This stays on him from when he is brought in at night until the next morning turnout
Hope this helps and your horse is doing well!
